The COVID-19 pandemic appeared to undo years of improvement for Texas students meeting grade requirements in reading and math, with students who did most of their schooling remotely suffering "significant declines" compared to those who attended in person, according to standardized test results released Monday by the Texas Education Agency.

In districts where fewer than a quarter of classes were held in person, the number of students who met math test expectations dropped by 32 percentage points, and the number of students who met reading expectations dropped by 9 percentage points compared to 2019, the last time the test was administered. In districts with more than three-quarters in-person instruction, the number of students meeting math expectations only dropped by 9 percentage points and those who met reading expectations by 1 percentage point. Students of color and lower-income students saw greater gaps as well, although those gaps were smaller than the one between remote and in-person instruction.

“The impact of the coronavirus on what school means and what school is has been truly profound,” Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath told reporters Monday. “What we know now with certainty is that the decision in Texas to prioritize in person instruction was critical.”

According to countless frustrated spouses, men seem to suffer from an irrational resistance to stopping to ask directions when lost in strange territory.  That this trait is shared by most, if not all men, and has proven so resistant to the attempted behavior modifications and downright nagging of so many women, suggests a genetic predisposition.  I have discovered that the reason is that men just don’t feel they are lost.

Another reason that I have discovered is that the action of stopping and asking directions is fruitless and a waste of time.  The last few times that I have stopped at the nearest convenience store to ask directions I was met with:

1. The clerk just arrived from outer Mongolia and could not speak English well enough to assist, or

2. The manager had only been there for one week and knew nothing about the city, or

3. The person did not know where he was himself, so how could he help?

Apparently schools do not teach students how to give directions any longer.  I recall being specifically taught how to do that in school.

According to the scientists who have studied things like this, this behavior in men goes way back to the “hunter/gatherer” days.  In pre-historic days, the men were the hunters of food, the women and children were the gatherers of what the man produced.  The hunter, of necessity, would travel a long distance, perhaps in unchartered territory, in search of where the deer and antelope played.  

The hunters needed a greater spatial understanding of their surroundings.  Since the behaviors of their prey were heavily influenced by the terrain, the stalking hunter needs to know not only his own location and the location of the prey, but also the nature of the area in which the prey will be found.  Stopping and asking directions would be a meaningless exercise for hunters.  Hunting tends to be an undertaking where only the first hunters on the scene have any opportunity.  After the first hunters do their thing, the game is either dead or long gone.  So by definition, if there is someone available of whom directions can be asked, it’s no longer worth doing.  Success as a hunter required being able to find your own way.

It is worthy to note here that down through most of humanity’s past, women have selected as fathers of their children those men who appeared to possess the best skills as a hunter, men who were genetically adapted to not asking questions.

In the past travelers wandering lost in the wilderness were considered intrepid explorers and lauded as heroes.  How could there have been an age of discovery if men asked directions and accurately navigated to only those known locations they intended to visit?  Only by accidently making enough wrong turns and doggedly proceeding with great conviction far enough in the wrong direction can one discover that which is by definition unknown.

It has been said that men created maps so they wouldn’t have to ask directions.  The great voyages of discovery were launched specifically to plot the world and fill in the gaps in the maps.  We all know that most women cannot read maps correctly, so they would be of no help.

So before denigrating men for possessing a trait that seems out of place in our modern partly civilized world, remember that this world that makes men seem out of place is largely a direct result of that very trait.  Remember also that we are poised on the brink of becoming a space faring species.  There aren’t any convenient gas stations out there in space at which to stop and ask directions.  In space we will once again need those men who can find their own way, even if they often don’t end up where they thought they were headed.

One last thought – I have discovered that when a man is giving you directions and he says turn left, but his hand simultaneously points right, always follow the way the hand moved and you won’t get lost.

Dates: July 29th & 30th 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. 

Location: Joaquin High School Football Field 

Ages: Kids entering 1st – 8th Grade  

Cost: FREE. Campers will also receive a Free Camp T-Shirt 

___________________________ ______ ___________ Camper Name (Please Print) Grade Shirt Size (YS-AXXL) _____________________________________________________ 

Address 

_____________________________________________________ 

City/State/Zip Code 

____________________________________ __________________________ Guardian Name (Please Print) Guardian Phone Number ___________________________________________ 

Guardian Signature 

*Mail Camp Flyer and Liability Form to: Joaquin ISD Attn: Youth Football Camp 11109 Hwy 84 East Joaquin,  TX 75954 or return form to JHS Administration Office or any JHS Football Coach. For questions contact Wade  Lawson (936-269-3128 Ext. 438) Office or (936-645-7135) Cell or email wlawson@joaquinisd.net  

Family Members are welcome to stay and watch. Our Athletic Booster Club will be  offering dinner plates for $10 and will also have the concession stand open for drinks.  

Thursday Night – Hamburger Plates  

Friday Night – Fish Plates 

Joaquin Athletic Department 

Address: 11009 Hwy 84 East  

Joaquin, Texas 75954 

Office: 936-269-3128 Ext. 438 

Email: wlawson@joaquinisd.net 

Athletic Department 

Wade Lawson, Boys Athletic Director 

PERMISSION FOR PARTICIPATION IN AN  

EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAM 

My child, _______________________________(student’s name), has my  permission to participate in the _________________________________________  (name of activity or organization), an extracurricular activity of the Joaquin School  District for the following  

date/dates:_____________________________________.  

I agree to assume responsibility for payment of all non-district paid expenses,  including medical expenses, which may arise from practicing, rehearsing,  traveling, or participating in any extracurricular activity sponsored by the District.  I agree to assume responsibility for any and all liability arising out of my child’s  participation in any extracurricular activity sponsored by the District.  

Parent Signature: __________________________________________________ Date: ____________________________________________________________

A reduction in the speed limit has been approved on two sections of roadway in Nacogdoches County and San Augustine and Shelby counties.

In Nacogdoches County, the speed limit on US 59 South will be reduced from 75 miles per hour to 60 mph for 1.58 miles just south of the city of Nacogdoches. This change extends the 60-mph limit for an additional 1.58 miles southward toward Lufkin.

In San Augustine and Shelby counties, the speed limit on FM 353 will be reduced from 50 mph to 45 mph from the San Augustine city limits to the Shelby County line. In Shelby County, the speed limit will be reduced from 55 mph to 50 mph from the San Augustine County line to SH 87.

The Texas Transportation Commission has approved these changes after considering results of engineering and traffic study/investigations that were conducted at each location.

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.

Boil Water Notice Rescinded

June 28, 2021

The water on Denning Rural WSC no longer requires boiling.

On June 24, 2021, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the Denning Rural Water Supply, #2030004, 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.

Denning Rural Water Supply 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 June 28, 2021.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact the office.

220 West Columbia Street

 San Augustine, Texas.

936-288-0489

or

Charles Sharp  936-201-5001.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

If a customer, individual or employee wishes to contact the executive director, please call (512)239-4691.

(Family Features) While adults may joke about needing to relearn how to be around others in a post-pandemic world, children can also benefit from a refresh of certain soft skills – especially young children who may not remember pre-pandemic life.

Building on these skills can also help children prepare for a successful return to school. In fact, data from Mintel shows parents’ top learning priorities for their children prior to entering grade school are how to play well with others (67%) and good manners (66%).

“Summertime is a great time for families to help their children focus on social skills that may not have gotten much attention this past year, particularly if families were social distancing or in quarantine,” said Taunya Banta, inclusion services manager for KinderCare Learning Centers. “Parents can set their children up for success when school starts again in the fall by helping them work on these soft skills in relaxed settings like family gatherings and on the neighborhood playground.”

Consider these ways parents can help their children build social skills.

Name emotions: Naming emotions is an important part of learning how to regulate them. If your children don’t understand what emotions they’re experiencing, they may be confused or upset by how they feel and that could amplify the feelings and make it more difficult to regulate the emotions.

Talk with your children about your own feelings, or the feelings of characters in books, to help them learn to identify emotions and appropriate ways to address those feelings. For example, “I’m sad, but I know a hug will help me feel better,” or “I’m mad and that’s OK. It’s not OK to hit, but I can punch a pillow or stomp my feet to get the feelings out of my body.” As a family, try practicing some simple emotion regulation strategies like deep breathing. To help younger children breathe deep, hold up two fingers and ask them to smell the flower as they inhale (one finger) and blow out the candle as they exhale (the other).

Play with other children: Play gives children an opportunity to freely express their emotions and thoughts, work out feelings and explore relationships in a safe, lighthearted way. If you feel comfortable and can follow health and safety guidelines, visit a playground or set up play dates with other children of similar ages then take a step back to let the children play together. If your children aren’t ready to play with others, allow them to stay close to you until they feel ready to join the other children.

Once the children are playing together, observe their interactions and talk with your children (in the moment or later) about how they felt. If they had fun, ask what they enjoyed. If disagreements or awkward moments came up, help your children problem-solve ways they could address those situations next time.

“Most importantly, remember children of all ages have an incredible capacity for resiliency,” Banta said. “Just knowing they have a steady base to return to, a safe place where they’re loved and appreciated for who they are, can give children the courage they need to face the challenge of a new or uncertain social situation with self-confidence and courage.”

For more tips to help your children build or improve their social skills, visit kindercare.com.

A Sizzling Summer Meal                           

(Family Features) Summertime, for many, represents an opportunity to enjoy freshly cooked meals while enjoying time outdoors. Taking your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary starts with chef-inspired recipes that call to mind the flavors of the season.

If you’re a summer burger connoisseur looking for a fresh twist on tradition, this recipe calls for high-quality beef from Omaha Steaks. Created by Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose, these Fried Lobster Po Boy Burgers with pimento remoulade sauce are a tempting way to combine two summertime favorites – seafood and burgers.

Visit OmahaSteaks.com for more summer meal inspiration.

Fried Lobster Po Boy Burgers

Recipe courtesy of Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose

Prep time: about 20 minutes

Cook time: about 20 minutes

Servings: 2

Pimento Remoulade:

1/2       cup mayonnaise 

1 1/2    tablespoons minced pimentos

1          tablespoon Dijon mustard

1          tablespoon minced bread and butter pickles

1          pepperoncino (seeded and minced)

1/4       teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4       teaspoon garlic powder

1/4       teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1          tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

3          dashes hot sauce

kosher salt, to taste

Fried Lobster Tails:

Vegetable oil, for frying

1/2       cup all-purpose flour

1/2       teaspoon kosher salt, divided

1/2       teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided

1/4       teaspoon garlic powder

1/4       teaspoon smoked paprika

1          large egg

1          tablespoon water

2          dashes hot pepper sauce

1/4       cup potato chips, finely blended in food processor

1/3       cup panko breadcrumbs

1          tablespoon minced flat leaf Italian parsley

2          Omaha Steaks lobster tails (5 ounces each)

Cheeseburgers:

1          pound Omaha Steaks premium ground beef

salt, to taste

freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2          tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature 

2          brioche buns

2          slices yellow cheddar cheese

3          leaves romaine lettuce, shredded

To make pimento remoulade: In small bowl, mix mayonnaise, pimentos, mustard, pickles, pepperoncino, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, lemon juice and hot sauce until well incorporated. Season with salt, to taste.

To make fried lobster tails: Preheat grill to 400 F and add oil to 10-inch cast-iron pan about 1/2-inch deep. 

In medium bowl, whisk flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, garlic powder and smoked paprika until well incorporated. Set aside.

In separate medium bowl, whisk egg, water and hot pepper sauce. Set aside.

In third medium bowl, whisk potato chips, panko breadcrumbs and parsley until well incorporated. Set aside. 

Cut lobster tails in half lengthwise, remove meat from shell and season with remaining kosher salt and black pepper.

Toss halved lobster tails in flour mixture first, egg mixture second then potato chip mixture third, coating thoroughly.

Fry lobster tails 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Close grill lid between flipping.

To make cheeseburgers: Preheat grill to 450 F using direct heat. Form ground beef into two 1/2 pound patties, each about 1/2-inch thick.

Using thumb, make dimple in center of each patty to help cook evenly.

Season both sides of burger with salt and pepper, to taste. Spread butter on each cut side of buns.

Grill burgers 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness. 

Add one slice cheddar cheese on each burger, close lid and grill about 30 seconds to melt cheese. Remove patties from grill to clean plate. Place buns cut sides down on grill grates and toast 20-30 seconds, or until well toasted, being careful to avoid burning.

To assemble: Place desired remoulade on buns. Place cheeseburgers on bottom buns. Top each with two fried lobster tail halves. Place handful shredded lettuce on lobster tails. Top with buns.

The easing of the COVID-19 pandemic also means economic safety nets are vanishing — and Texans struggling to make ends meet may soon fall even further down a financial hole this summer. Federal unemployment benefits end for Texans on Saturday. Their electricity can be cut for nonpayment starting Tuesday. For renters, evictions will begin to proceed normally again at the end of July. 

Economic circumstances for many have improved: Texas’ unemployment rate was 6.5% in May, much lower than last May’s 11.6% when some businesses began reopening after a monthlong shutdown to slow the spread of COVID-19. Still, almost three years’ worth of jobs created in Texas have been destroyed in the recession. The state’s economy has more than 400,000 fewer jobs than before the pandemic, according to seasonally adjusted state data. The pain isn’t distributed equitably.

White-collar workers could work from home and largely avoided job cuts, while workers in restaurants, bars, hotels, and businesses linked to recreation, transportation and personal care saw their jobs evaporate — and many remain financially underwater or unemployed.

AGENDA FOR June 28, 2021 

1. Roll call, establishment of quorum, call to order – Joaquin ISD may have member(s) via video conference call – Texas  Government Code Section 551.127 (See Attached Code) 

2. Invocation and Pledges of Allegiance 

3. Audience Participation – In accordance with Joaquin ISD Policy BED Local no presentation shall exceed five  minutes. Delegations of more than five persons shall appoint one person to present their views before the Board. 

4. Enter Closed Session 

4.1 Enter closed session under Texas Government Codes §551.071, §551.074, §551.127, §551.129 (See  Attached Code) 

4.1.1 Resignations and Hiring 

 a. Resignations 

 b. Hire Elementary Principal 

5. Return to Open Session - Agenda Items for consideration and possible action: 

 5.1 Consideration and Board Action, if any, authorize: 

 5.1.1 Resignations and Hiring 

 a. Resignations 

 b. Hire Elementary Principal 

6. Recommendations for items to be placed on agenda for next Board meeting 

7. Designation of date and time of next meetings: 

8. Adjournment 

 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 30th day of June, 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. Public comments on Agenda item.

3. Discuss and approve Service Agreement with the Texas Association of Counties for email and website hosting services. This service Agreement pertains to new Microsoft 365 email platform.

4. Discuss and possibly approve a new vehicle for Pct. 5 Constable.

5.  County Treasurer to discuss investment deposit options with First National Bank of Wichita Falls.

6. Revise County Investment Policy to add First National Bank of Wichita Falls as an Approved Broker / Dealer for investments.

7. Discuss and possibly approve new investments.

8. Adjourn.

Stephen F. Austin State University’s DeWitt School of Nursing was recently ranked No. 8 in Texas by RN Careers, an online program guide.

RN Careers ranks programs based on tuition costs and national licensure exam pass rates, among other criteria.

The DeWitt School of Nursing received a 97% first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination in 2020 and prepares students for success with personal attention from faculty.

“Our nursing faculty are engaged and focused on student success,” said Dr. Tamara Harris, director of the School of Nursing. “We have testing procedures that mimic the NCLEX testing and faculty that accompany students to clinicals for the purpose of reinforcing concepts from lecture content.”

With advanced simulation labs and rigorous coursework, students are equipped to provide exceptional patient care in a variety of nursing fields.

“Our students graduate with job offers,” Harris said. “SFA’s School of Nursing has a reputation across the state of providing a great education for nurses.”

To learn more about the School of Nursing, visit sfasu.edu/nursing.

The Sabine County Beekeepers will meet for our monthly meeting on Monday July 5th at 6:30PM. We meet every 1st Monday of the month at 6:30PM 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.  

Joaquin Elementary Summer Enrichment Field Trips 

Dear Students and Parents, 

We have some exciting news to share with you, we have planned some great field trips. These field trips will be a great opportunity for our Elementary students to grow socially and academically over the summer. 

The field trips are open to any Joaquin Elementary student who was enrolled in the PreK-5th Grade for the 2020-2021 school year. The field trip will be provided free of charge to each Joaquin Elementary student. Lunch will be provided on each field trip free of charge. 

Four days have been planned in July to enrich the students of the Elementary. 

Tuesday, July 13, 2021: Bowling and the Planetarium at SFA. Meal will be Cici’s pizza. Thursday, July 15, 2021: Shreveport Aquarium. Meal will be IHOP. 

Tuesday, July 20, 2021: Fish Hatchery in Athens, TX Meal will be provided. 

Thursday, July 22, 2021: Sciport. Meal will be at Sciport. 

If you are interested in attending the trip (s) please look for information on www.joaquinisd.net, Shelby County Today, Elementary Website, Elementary Facebook page, Joaquin ISD facebook page. We will mail a copy to every student. Email: tharris@joaquinisd.net with any questions that you may have. 

Registration will be open from June 28th and end on July 6th. Registration forms must be completed before a student can attend. All Registration must be completed by the deadline. Permission slips will be available at the Elementary office from 8 am- 3pm Monday- Thursday, as well as the Administration building.You can drop off registration packets after hours in our drop box in front of the Elementary.

Joaquin Elementary Summer Enrichment Field Trips Registration Form: PART 1 

Please check and sign each day that your child will be attending(or not attending). Your child is able to attend all of the days or just some of the days. Admission and lunch will be paid for all students. Your child can bring money for snacks and souvenirs(if they are available). 

You can email Tara Harris at tharris@joaquinisd.net with any questions. Registration will be open from June 28th and end on July 6th. Registration forms must be completed before a student can attend. Complete all registration slips by the deadline. Permission slips will be available at the Elementary office from 8 am- 3pm Monday- Thursday,as well as the Administration building. You can drop off registration packets after hours in our drop box in front of the Elementary. 

My child ____________________________________ will be attending the field trips that I checked above. Parent Signature: ______________________________ Parent Phone Number:________________________ Parent Email: _______________________________

Joaquin Elementary Summer Enrichment Field Trips Registration Form: PART 2 

Transportation: 

1. How will your student get dropped off and picked up from each field trip(s)? A. Car 

B. Bus 

C. Other:________________________________________ 

2. If you need a BUS, is it for the morning or just for the afternoon? A. Morning only 

B. Morning and Afternoon 

C. Afternoon Only 

D.None (I will provide my own morning and afternoon transportation.) E. Other:____________________________________ 

3. If your child rode the bus last year, what bus number did they ride or the bus driver’s name? _____________________________________ 

Medical Needs: 

4. Does your child have any medical needs that we need to know about before our field trip? 

________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________ 

Allergies: 

5. Does your child have any allergies that we need to know about before our field trip? 

________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________

Joaquin Elementary Summer Enrichment Field Trips Registration Form: PART 3 

Date of Activities: 

? Tuesday, July 13, 2021 

? Thursday, July 15, 2021 

? Tuesday, July 20, 2021 

? Thursday, July 22, 2021 

Event Activity: 

? Tuesday, July 13, 2021- Bowling and Planetarium 

? Thursday, July 15, 2021- Aquarium 

? Tuesday, July 20, 2021- Fish Hatchery in Athens, TX 

? Thursday, July 22, 2021- Sci-Port 

Destination: 

? Tuesday, July 13, 2021- Nacogdoches TX Departure Time: 8:00amReturn Time:4:00pm ? Thursday, July 15, 2021- Shreveport, LA Departure Time:8:00am Return Time:4:00pm ? Tuesday, July 20, 2021-Athens, TX Departure Time:7:00am Return Time:4:30pm ? Thursday, July 22, 2021-Shreveport, LA Departure Time:8:00am Return Time:4:00pm 

____________________________________ has my permission to attend each of these activities sponsored by Joaquin ISD. I understand that the students will be responsible for abiding by all policies and regulations of the sponsor group, or organization sponsoring the activity. I understand that discipline procedures for violations of theses policies, rules and regulations may range from corporal punishment to expulsion and may include exclusion from future extracurricular activites.I also understand that the parent or student will be required to provide transportation to and from the school if the trip involves before or after school hours. 

___________________________________________ ___________________ Parent Signature Date 

NOTE: If the student is not returning from the activity with the sponsors, the parent or guardian must provide a written note requesting that the student be allowed to ride with a parent or guardian or other immediate family member and personally speak with the sponsor. This may not be permissible with some functions in which students are required to travel to and from the activity with the sponsor on the school-provided transportation. 

Special Instructions: 

You can email Tara Harris at tharris@joaquinisd.net with any questions. Registration will be open from June 28th and end on July 6th. Registration forms must be completed before a student can attend. Complete all registration slips by the deadline. Permission slips will be available at the Elementary office from 8 am- 3pm Monday- Thursday,as well as the Administration building. You can drop off registration packets after hours in our drop box in front of the Elementary. 

ALL Registration information must be turned in by JULY, 6, 2021. 

Students will only need money for snacks or souvenirs(if available). 

Ryan Fuller ____________________________________ Superintendent of Schools Parent/Guardian Name 

____________________________________ 

Emergency Contact Number/Cell Phone 

____________________________________ 

Parent/Guardian Email Address

Registration Form: PART 4 

Permission for Participation in an Extracurricular Activity: 

My child, _____________________________________(student’s name), has my permission to participate in the Field Trips, an extracurricular activity of the Joaquin School District for the following dates:July 13, 2021 

July 15, 2021 

July 20, 2021 

and July 22, 2021. 

I agree to assume responsibility for the payment of all non-district paid expenses, including medical expenses, which may arise from practicing, rehearsing, traveling, or participating in any extracurricular activity sponsored by the District. I agree to assume responsibility for any and all liability arising out of my child’s participation in any extracurricular activity sponsored by the District. 

______________________________________ 

Parent Signature 

_______________________________________ 

Date:

Joaquin Elementary Summer Enrichment Field Trips 

Trip 1: Tuesday: July 13, 2021- Nacogdoches TX 

Planetarium 

Lunch at Cici’s Pizza 

Bowling 

Trip 2: Thursday: July 15, 2021- Shreveport, LA 

Aquarium 

Lunch at IHOP 

Aquarium 

Trip 3: Tuesday: July 20, 2021- Athens, TX 

Fish Hatchery 

Lunch at the Hatchery 

Fish Hatchery 

Trip 4: Thursday: July 22, 2021- Shreveport, LA 

Sciport 

Lunch at Sciport 

Sciport 

***Parents are more than welcome to join us on the trips. However, you must pay for yourself and provide your own transportation to and from the trip. 

Electronic Devices: It is okay to bring a device (phone, tablet) but Joaquin ISD is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damages to the device. Students need to make sure that they only bring the device to play games on the bus.

On June 23 Deputies conducted a traffic stop in San Augustine near the Lincoln School. Occupants in the vehicle advised they were working at the school. Consent to search the vehicle was asked but occupants were reluctant to answer, Canine Army performed a free air sniff around the vehicle and alerted for the presence of narcotic odor. A search of the vehicle and occupants yielded the recovery of methamphetamines and items for distribution and consumption. Both Rayford Gattis and Kristina Smith were charged with Manufacture and Delivery of a Controlled Substance in a Drug Free Zone. Good job Canine Army!!

Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce brings back Frontier Days July 2-4 2021

 Please join us for a celebration of Frontier Days during the first weekend of July in Downtown Timpson Texas.

Friday:

6 PM: Gospel singing concert at the First Baptist Church in Timpson. Enjoy Southern Gospel singing with The Calvary Boys and Cord Smith. Tickets available at the door for $10 each. Children under 12 are free.

Saturday

10 AM: Parade, Joyce Moore will be in the school parking lot lining up at 9:30. Everyone is welcome to participate.Come on to downtown early to get a spot or just watch from the regular parade route.We are grateful to have again this year our own Tracy Broadway and Joyce Moore announcing the Parade. Tracy will be the MC for the rest of the day after the Parade. 

11 AM: Opening ceremonies, Welcome, Prayer with introduction of Guest

11 AM: Horseshoes & Washers in SoSo Park There will be prize money. See DWayne Brister 

After Parade: Children Festivities start on the downtown plaza with activities, balloon houses, petting zoo and much more. This year there will be no charge for any activities or shows brought to you by The Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce during Frontier Days.

Vendors and food trucks will also be on the plaza all during the day.

The Amazing David Wonders making balloon art and performing on stage.

There will be more shows and entertainment all through the day. Come out and enjoy! 

6 PM Timpson Twirlers and Cheerleaders perform on the Downtown streets.

8 PM Cake auction

9 PM Street Dance wit Southern Impact 

Sunday

6 PM Community Service Downtown on the square under the tent. Matt Tyler Pastor of The Woodland Christian Church will bring the message. Other Pastors will be with him for support. A community that can worship together can live together. 

Notes

We would like to thank the community for patience and understanding during this last year and having to miss a year of our traditional Frontier Days in 2020. We are without a carnival this year and other things that may be missed. We had no Pony Express, The normal help and participation in our local Jr Chamber has been compromised and as everyone knows it's been a challenging time for many. As of now we have no restrictions from the Center of Disease Control. I hope you as a community will come out and celebrate Frontier Days and of course The 4th of July. while supporting our community. 

Bring lawn chairs, enjoy the times and each other

While Texas Republicans have made many political moves lately, Texas Democrats can’t say the same. Former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke still has yet to announce if he will run for governor, and he’s not in a hurry to make a decision. Incumbents and potential candidates are also awaiting the release of new district maps to decide their next political moves. Down ballot, Texas Democrats are bracing for the worst this fall, when the Republican-controlled Texas Legislature releases its new political maps for state House and Senate, as well as for the U.S. House. 

“There’s a lot of planning and strategizing behind the scenes,” said Royce Brooks, the executive director of Annie’s List, the Texas Democratic women-in-politics group. “Whatever Beto decides to do is the domino that affects everybody.”

Beyond who’s running for what, there is a mixed mood among Texas Democrats. For some, Republican legislative advances on reproductive health and gun policy exacerbate the disappointment of 2020, when Democrats made almost no gains in the state beyond President Joe Biden keeping former President Donald Trump to a six-point victory in Texas. 

There are also structural concerns ahead beyond redistricting. Most parties in power at the presidential level lose legislative seats during the first midterm of an administration.

A special section of the Texas Legislature will start July 8, Gov. Greg Abbott said Tuesday. Abbott’s office has not said what legislative priorities will be included on the special session agenda, only that such items “will be announced prior to the convening of the special session.” 

But Abbott previously said he plans to ask state lawmakers to work on two elections and bail bills that died late on the last day legislators were in session, after House Democrats walked out of the chamber. More recently, Abbott said the agenda will also include further restricting the teaching of critical race theory in Texas public schools, which refers to an academic discipline that explores the role racism plays in institutions and structures of governance.

(Culinary.net) When it’s beyond hot outside and the kids are begging for a delicious afternoon snack, sometimes it’s difficult to know where to turn. The pantry is full and the refrigerator is stocked, yet nothing sounds appetizing when it’s scorching outside.

Combining three simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen can save the day and provide a refreshing and scrumptious snack.

Try this 3-Ingredients Strawberry Ice Cream on warm days ahead. It’s chilled to perfection with fresh strawberries and fluffy whipping cream to create a creamy texture perfect for the kiddos.

Start by pureeing 1 pound of fresh strawberries. Add 1 pint of whipping cream and sweetened condensed milk to a mixing bowl then beat until stiff peaks form.

Fold the strawberry puree in with the whipping cream mixture. Pour into a loaf pan and freeze for 5 hours.

Before serving, let ice cream soften for 5-10 minutes.

It’s delicious, rich and has sweet strawberry flavor that can help satisfy nearly any sweet tooth. It’s a wonderful treat after long summer days spent playing outside, splashing in the pool or just relaxing, soaking up the sun.

Find more summer dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

If you made this recipe at home, use #MyCulinaryConnection on your favorite social network to share your work.

3-Ingredient Strawberry Ice Cream

Servings: 4-6

1          pound fresh strawberries, stems removed

1          pint heavy whipping cream

1          can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

In blender, puree strawberries.

In bowl of stand mixer, beat whipping cream and sweetened condensed milk until stiff peaks form. Fold in strawberry puree. Pour into loaf pan. Freeze 5 hours.

Before serving, let ice cream soften 5-10 minutes.

Pleasant Grove MBC is having Revival beginning on June 28th through July 2nd.  Bro. Kevin Windham will preach on Monday and Tuesday.  Bro. BJ Windham will preach on Wednesday and Bro. Billy Windham will preach Thursday and Friday.  Revival begins at 7 pm each night.  Song specials are always welcome.  We would love to see you there!  Everyone is invited.  Come and bring a friend to enjoy the services and let a true Revival happen in your heart.  For more information, contact Pastor Josh Crawford at 572-5303.  God Bless you all.  

Dates: July 29th & 30th 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. 

Location: Joaquin High School Football Field 

Ages: Kids entering 1st – 8th Grade  

Cost: FREE. Campers will also receive a Free Camp T-Shirt 

___________________________ ______ ___________ Camper Name (Please Print) Grade Shirt Size (YS-AXXL) _____________________________________________________ 

Address 

_____________________________________________________ 

City/State/Zip Code 

____________________________________ __________________________ Guardian Name (Please Print) Guardian Phone Number ___________________________________________ 

Guardian Signature 

*Mail Camp Flyer and Liability Form to: Joaquin ISD Attn: Youth Football Camp 11109 Hwy 84 East Joaquin,  TX 75954 or return form to JHS Administration Office or any JHS Football Coach. For questions contact Wade  Lawson (936-269-3128 Ext. 438) Office or (936-645-7135) Cell or email wlawson@joaquinisd.net  

Family Members are welcome to stay and watch. Our Athletic Booster Club will be  offering dinner plates for $10 and will also have the concession stand open for drinks.  

Thursday Night – Hamburger Plates 

Friday Night – Fish Plates 

Joaquin Athletic Department 

Address: 11009 Hwy 84 East  

Joaquin, Texas 75954 

Office: 936-269-3128 Ext. 438 

Email: wlawson@joaquinisd.net 

Athletic Department 

Wade Lawson, Boys Athletic Director 

PERMISSION FOR PARTICIPATION IN AN  

EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAM 

My child, _______________________________(student’s name), has my  permission to participate in the _________________________________________  (name of activity or organization), an extracurricular activity of the Joaquin School  District for the following  

date/dates:_____________________________________.  

I agree to assume responsibility for payment of all non-district paid expenses,  including medical expenses, which may arise from practicing, rehearsing,  traveling, or participating in any extracurricular activity sponsored by the District.  I agree to assume responsibility for any and all liability arising out of my child’s  participation in any extracurricular activity sponsored by the District.  

Parent Signature: __________________________________________________ Date: ____________________________________________________________

On Wednesday 06/16/2021, the Nacogdoches Sheriff's Office received multiple reports of burglary of motor vehicles and theft of firearms in the areas of the Appleby community. The suspects were targeting unlocked vehicles in residential neighborhoods. The suspect sought after cash and firearms that were found in vehicles. During the investigation, investigators were able to develop a description of the suspects and a description of the vehicle from surveillance cameras.

On Saturday 06/19/2021, the Nacogdoches Sheriff's Office again received multiple reports of burglary of motor vehicles and theft of firearms in Central Heights, Pleasant Hill and Western Hills subdivision. The suspects were again targeting unlocked vehicles in residential neighborhoods. The suspect’s again sought out cash and firearms.

Investigators believed that the suspects in the previous reports in the Appleby area were involved. Investigators utilizing the previous reports and the most recent reports along with databases were able to develop a suspect vehicle and possible suspects. Investigators conducted surveillance for the suspect vehicle and notified NCSO Deputies and NPD Officers of the suspect vehicle description and possible location.

On Sunday 06/20/2021, NPD Officers located the suspect vehicle at the 3100 block of Phoenix Terrance and two subjects were detained. A NCSO Investigator responded to the scene. The vehicle and a residence were searched for evidence.

The subjects were then transported to the Nacogdoches Sheriff's Office. Investigators were able to develop probable cause for the arrest of Lonneil Warren age 18 from Nacogdoches and Jarvis Harper age 20 from San Augustine. Warren and Harper were each charged with 6 counts of Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity Theft of a Firearm a 3rd degree felony and 7 counts of Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity Burglary of a Motor Vehicle a state jail felony.

The investigation continues into the recovery of stolen items and more arrest and criminal charges are expected for other suspects.

(Family Features) Playing in or around water is one of the joys of summer, but this treasured seasonal pastime comes with some serious risks. Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of 14 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As COVID-19 restrictions ease, many families will have informal gatherings and take trips to the beach, increasing the potential for children to have unsupervised access to water. Because of this, it’s important for children to take swimming lessons to learn water safety skills and create safer habits in and around water. As swimming lessons begin across the country, many are being conducted safely with COVID-19 precautions in place.

Protect your family’s safety around water this summer with these tips from the Make a Splash Tour, presented by Phillips 66 and the USA Swimming Foundation.

Designate a Water Watcher and Closely Monitor Children. Designate a water watcher when you are in, on or around water. Watch all children and adolescents swimming or playing in or around water, even if they know how to swim. Keeping young children or inexperienced swimmers within arm’s length at all times can help ensure you’re able to provide assistance if and when it’s needed.

Wear a Life Jacket. Anyone participating in any boating, paddling or towed water sports, regardless of swimming ability in pool or open water situations, should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Preschool-aged children (5 years old and younger), who are not protected by touch supervision, in particular, should always wear a life jacket. Swimming aids and water toys – such as water wings, inflatable water wings and rings – are not intended to be life-saving devices.

Learn to Swim. Research has shown formal swimming lessons reduce the risk of childhood drowning by 88%. Through the annual Make a Splash Tour, the USA Swimming Foundation, with the support of Phillips 66, encourages children’s swim lessons. By equipping your child with the skill of swimming, you’ll open doors to a lifetime of safety, fun, fitness and even employment opportunities.

While lessons progressively teach a variety of swimming strokes, some of the most important things swimmers learn – even in beginner classes – are breath control and how to float. These basic skills are essential for staying above water should someone find himself or herself unable to touch or too tired to swim to safety. Children can participate in swimming lessons before they can walk, and parent-child swim lessons provide bonding opportunities along with water safety education.

Swim in Designated Areas and Obey Posted Signs and Flags. Ropes, buoys and flags in larger bodies of water like lakes or oceans are commonly used to mark off safe swimming areas and provide visual cues about changes in depth, underwater surfaces and currents. Teach children what these signs and markers mean and that they’re in place as safety tools, not toys to play with or float on.

Learn CPR. If the unthinkable does happen, knowing how to perform CPR allows you to take immediate action, which has been shown to significantly better the outcome for children with submersion injuries. In the time it takes for paramedics to arrive, you could save someone’s life. Seconds count; the quicker CPR is started, the better the chances of recovery. There are many places that offer CPR training, including community organizations and nonprofit groups. Remember to keep your certification current once you have completed the initial requirements.

Make safety a priority for your summer water fun. For more information, including swim lesson providers in your area, visit usaswimming.org/makeasplash.

TCCA Harvest for Homes Produce Drop

Wednesday June 23 @ 8:30am

It’s a play within a play.

That’s how Kristen Blossom, adjunct instructor in the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre, describes the SummerStage Festival presentation of the children’s favorite “Stuart Little,” a play based on the popular book by E.B. White and adapted by Joseph Robinette about the endearing mouse named Stuart Little who is born into an ordinary New York family.

“Stuart Little” will be presented in the style of a 1940s radio play with student actors not only delivering their characters’ lines but also creating their own sound effects live on stage.

The play is one of two featured in this year’s SummerStage Festival presented June 22 through July 9 in Kennedy Auditorium on the SFA campus. “Men On Boats” by Jaclyn Backhaus is also featured.

According to Blossom, radio plays were popular in the 1920s to 1950s, and the novel “Stuart Little” was written by White in 1940, “so it made perfect sense for me to set our production in the 1940s and deliver it to the audience as an old fashioned radio play.”

Historically, actors in radio plays would speak their lines into a microphone while a person in the foley booth made all of the sound effects. But Blossom directs SFA actors do both of these jobs simultaneously.

“The audience will not only be able to hear the sound effects, but also see live exactly how the sounds are being made by the actors,” she said. “My overall concept for this production is that a group of actors in the 1940s come into a studio space in New York City and start using all the foley objects they can find to tell us – the audience – this story about a mouse named Stuart Little. So, essentially, it's a play within a play.”

Blossom wanted the students to “think outside the box” and experiment with different objects to create the sound effects.

“We all had so much fun collaborating,” she said. “Because it's a play within a play, every sound you hear is being made by these 1940s storytellers. For example, we have a record player on stage for times when the script calls for music, and we have instruments that create rain and thunder and other noises.”

Adding to the directing theme, actors will be dressed in 1940s-style clothing with costume pieces that they take on and off while on stage.

Blossom cast only six actors to play the nearly 25 different characters, meaning students will portray between four and five characters each, with the exception of the main character of Stuart. She added that it was “purely coincidental” that it’s an all-male cast.

“That's just the way things turned out in auditions,” she said. “I think gender rarely has anything to do with the heart of a story, so ‘traditional’ casting didn't matter to me at all. I'm so proud of my actors for approaching each of their many roles, even the tiny ones, with precision, sensitivity and authenticity.”

Among the biggest challenges in presenting this play is that Blossom conducted rehearsals remotely via zoom.

“Personally, it's always a challenge for me to verbally articulate what I'm imagining and feeling,” she said. “I tend to get up and walk all over the stage while I'm directing. But I was only able to conduct rehearsals via zoom. It certainly has been a challenge to sit still and give direction only using my words. But, on the bright side, I believe me being remote created more space for the actors and my assistant director, Triston Haq, to assert their own creativity.”

As assistant director, Haq, a Nacogdoches senior, said he’s learned that there aren't any shortcuts to success when it comes to working with people of different skill sets and experience.

“A standard was established from the outset, and everyone, regardless of experience, has risen to the occasion and grown in their own way,” Haq said. “As for learning the specifics of directing a radio play, I've had to hone in on the words and the way that actors say things. Sounding like a real person is something I can direct pretty reasonably after my own training, but when performing a radio drama, I've found that there's more to connecting with the audience than sounding like someone you'd meet in real life. It's about inviting the audience on the journey with you.”

Because there are so many foley sound effects and costume changes that take place throughout the show, the actors have had their endurance and performance ability tested, Haq said.

“But they’ve come out with a great radio play to show for it,” he added. “The process is extremely intentional and precise, and we've been doing our best to hit every beat in the show with honesty and conviction. There's a musicality to the actors' performance that we heard in the beginning read-through, and that's something that we've tried to hold on to and highlight as their performances grew. The students responded to the process and the expectations we set with a headstrong initiative, and we're really proud of their growth and resourcefulness. Theatre is a team effort, and the cast did a great job of relying on each other when they needed.”

Buffalo senior Zach White portrays multiple characters, including Margalo, who is a bird with really high voice; George, who, as the other son in the Little family, has a more shy tone in his voice; along with a few cats, two different doctors and “many others that you’ll be able to see if you come and watch the show,” he said.

“The most fun thing about this show is that there is no limitation to what I am able to do with my characters and discovering how far I can go with them,” White said. “Seeing my colleagues’ reactions to the silliness I can come up with really makes this process fun. The more challenging part of this is mostly trying to keep up with and remember all of the voices that I have for these characters, along with the physicality of the all the characters. The most rewarding part of this process is going to be my part in the escape from reality that we can provide the audience.”

Waxahachie junior Adam Lamb plays Mr. Little, the house cat Snowbell and Narrator #1. Watching and working with talented actors has been a fun part of the rehearsal process, he said.

“The most challenging part was working with a director through zoom and having to be at the whim of our internet connection,” he said. “But the most rewarding part, for me at least, for any show is seeing the audiences’ reactions to what we’ve created.”

“Stuart Little” tells a story about seeing the world differently than most people traditionally imagine.

“There's a lot of wonder to be found when you look around from a perspective that's not your own,” Haq said. “I hope the audience takes a little bit of wonder home with them.”

“Stuart Little” will be presented at 10 a.m. June 29 and 30 and July 1 and 6; at 2 p.m. June 22 and 24; and at 7 p.m. July 7 in both in-person and virtual performances. General admission tickets are $8. Virtual access is $15. Pay-what-you-can performances are on July 1. All performances are in Kennedy Auditorium, 1906 Alumni Drive.

For tickets, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit boxoffice.sfasu.edu.  For more information, call the School of Theatre at (936) 468-4003 or visit www.theatre.sfasu.edu.

Cutline: SFA School of Theatre will present the children’s beloved story of “Stuart Little” as part of its annual SummerStage Festival. Rehearsing a scene from the show are, from left, Cutter Day, Log Cabin junior; Jaycob Sanchez, Austin freshman; Adam Lamb, Waxahachie junior; Nathan Morris, Brownsboro junior; Zach White, Buffalo senior; and Andr'e Hankerson, Beaumont junior. “Stuart Little” will be presented at 10 a.m. June 29 and 30 and July 1 and 6; at 2 p.m. June 22 and 24; and at 7 p.m. July 7 in both in-person and virtual performances. General admission tickets are $8. Virtual access is $15. A pay-what-you-can performance is on July 1. All performances are in Kennedy Auditorium on the SFA campus.

The Askew/Hagler reunion will be held July, 17 2021 @ the Community House in Center, TX.  Please come and bring a covered dish and something for the Silent Auction. For more information call 598-7488.

The Senior Nutrition Site will be celebrating the 4^th of July with chili dogs, beans, salad, and cake!  So come join us for fun, food, and fellowship for this Independence Day.  There will also be a prize handed out for the Most Patriotic!  Come and show off your most patriotic outfit! 

This celebration will be on Friday, July 2, 2021.  The Senior Nutrition Site is open from 9-2.  Seniors 60 and older are welcomed to attend.  For more information, please call us at 936-598-7768.

Many of you have no doubt heard a person say that he didn’t know someone else from Adam’s off ox, but you may not have stopped to consider the peculiar aptness of this folk expression.  I recall my grandparents and parents would use the phrase quite often but I never thought to delve into what the words truly meant.  What is an “off ox”, and who was Adam?  What did this have to do with not knowing somebody?

Some discussion about this expression followed its use by President Clinton in a news conference in June, 1993.  It puzzled many American commentators then, because it’s a phrase that is known only in some parts of the United States, mostly the southern states.  Since the media is made up of mostly city people they were totally unfamiliar with the phrase.

The phrase dates back to the time when teams of oxen were used to pull wagons.  It was used in it’s basic form to mean that a person is entirely unknown to the speaker.  This form was recorded from Britain in a report of a court case at the London Sessions as far back as 1784:  “Some man stopped me, I do not know him from Adam’s off ox.”  It is certainly older in the spoken language.

Speakers in various parts of the United States have at times commented that they don’t know somebody from Adam’s housecoat, Adam’s brother, Adam’s foot, and Adam’s pet monkey.  Adam’s off ox  is easily the most puzzling of these variations to us today because the days of oxen teams are now long past.

Using a team of oxen, the “near ox” was the one on the left side of the wagon.  The driver always walked on the left side of the team with the near-side ox at his right shoulder.  He would then get to know the personality and idiosyncrasies of this near ox very well.  However, the “off ox” was hidden behind the far side one on the right, and was yoked so that it could do nothing but follow.  So, the “off ox” was, figuratively at least, less well known.

Of Adam’s two oxen the near ox is better known than the off ox for two reasons: first, he is nearer the driver, and, second, the sight of him is unobstructed.  We can say then, that the off ox is less known than the near ox, who in turn is less known than Adam, who is not known at all.

The term is found in print from 1894 onwards, but must surely be older.  One of its appearances was in Flying U Ranch, by B. M. Bower, of about 1914: “Andy shook hands all round, swore amiably at Weary, and advanced finally upon Miguel. ‘You don’t know me from  Adam’s off ox,’ he began genially, ‘but I know you all right, all right.”

Another less known idiom is that the “off ox” cannot be so well seen and may therefore get the worst of the footing and stumble.  It is for that reason that “off ox” has been used figuratively to designate a clumsy or awkward person.

It seems that this expression is even less well known now, except for the occasional old film and U.S. presidential folk idiom.  So, to some of you older readers, the next time you use this phrase you will have a better idea of why you are using it, what it means, and from whence it came.  To the younger readers, I doubt that you will ever utter such words, but should you, the other person won’t know of which you speak.

An Athens, Texas man was sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei today.

Matthew Don Herrington, 49, pleaded guilty on Dec. 12, 2020, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison on June 16, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle.

“Drug dealers who pump poison into our communities will face certain and severe consequences,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.  “Our office will continue to partner with federal, state, and local agencies to ensure our communities are safe and to bring to justice those who spread the misery of methamphetamine.”

According to documents and information presented in court, Herrington was arrested on Oct. 22, 2019 by Rusk County Sheriff’s Deputies with a quantity of methamphetamine that he intended to distribute to others, along with a firearm.  In March 2020, Rusk County Deputies learned that Herrington was still engaged in methamphetamine trafficking.  On March 25, 2020, Deputies executed a search warrant of Herrington’s home and recovered a distributable quantity of methamphetamine and another firearm.  Herrington is prohibited from possessing firearms because of multiple prior felony convictions, including a 2009 federal conviction for distribution of methamphetamine, for which he received 70 months in federal prison. 

This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Locker.

###

The final defendant has been sentenced to federal prison in a drug trafficking conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei today.

Amber Nicole Priehs, 30, pleaded guilty on Dec. 12, 2019, to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin, and was sentenced to 80 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle.  Priehs was the sixth and final Palestine, Texas resident to be sentenced in the drug trafficking conspiracy. 

“The imprisonment of this drug trafficking organization is a significant victory for the citizens of Palestine and the rest of East Texas,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.  “Our office will continue to pursue those who pump poison and misery into our communities. These defendants showed an utter lack of regard for their fellow citizens by lining their own pockets off of addiction and the decay of their own community.”

According to information presented in court, Byron Bernard Billups, Brandon Williams, and Priehs distributed large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin in Palestine and surrounding areas.  Billups served as the leader and primary source of supply and worked with Priehs and others to acquire kilos of methamphetamine and other drugs from sources of supply across Texas and brought them back to East Texas for distribution. Brandon Williams distributed bulk methamphetamine, cocaine, and ecstasy to wholesale and retail customers from his home in Palestine, which he shared with his uncle, Larry Williams, who also assisted with handling customers in the drug deals.  Priehs distributed bulk methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin directly to customers and through Marcos Navarro, who reported to Priehs.  Priehs also recruited Steve Foster to store bulk drugs at his house, which he also permitted Priehs to use to meet customers.  A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging the defendants with federal drug trafficking violations on Feb. 20, 2019.

Brandon Kione Williams, 37, pleaded guilty on Sep. 21, 2020, to conspiracy to distribute drugs and was sentenced to 216 months in federal prison on March 25, 2021.  Larry Joe Williams, 65, pleaded guilty on March 9, 2020, to misprision of a felony and was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison on Oct. 13, 2020.  Byron Bernard Billups, 36, pleaded guilty on July 14, 2020, to conspiracy to distribute drugs and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison on Dec. 17, 2020. 

Marcos Antonio Navarro, 35, pleaded guilty on March 12, 2020, to conspiracy to distribute drugs and was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison on August 11, 2020.  Steve Allen Foster, 33, pleaded guilty on March 16, 2020, to conspiracy to distribute drugs and was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison on Sep. 15, 2020.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Texas Department of Public Safety-CID, and the Palestine Police Department.  These defendants were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Locker, Colleen Bloss, and Heather H. Rattan.

Hey Students and Parents, 

We have some exciting Fine Arts Enrichment field trip opportunities for our students this summer! 

The field trips are open to any Joaquin Jr. High student who was enrolled in the 6th/7th/8th grade for the 20-21 school year. The field trips will be provided free of charge to each Joaquin Jr. High student. Lunch will be provided on each field trip. School dress code must be followed. 

Three days have been planned in July to encompass a variety of Fine Arts genres. 

Monday, July 12, 2021 - The Mud Hut offers students the opportunity to see how ceramics, glass, and clay pottery are made. Create ART! offers students the opportunity to see and create many different types of art! They offer cut and fused glass, a pottery wheel, clay art, pencil drawings, watercolor art and canvas creations. - Longview, Texas. 

Thursday, July 15, 2021 - The Museum of Fine Arts offers students a tour of the artwork of many artists of the past and present. “Painting with a Twist” allows students to create canvas artworks of their own! - Longview, Texas 

Thursday, July 22, 2021 - ARTSpace Summer Camp/Museum and SciPort offer students a variety of learning categories ranging from Fine Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics…all wrapped up in super fun activities! - Shreveport, Louisiana 

Interested students can get more information by emailing Mrs. Ann McDaniel at amcdaniel@joaquinisd.net General information will be provided on our Joaquin Independent School District webpage at www.joaquinisd.net, the JISD Facebook page and Shelby County Today. 

Registration will open June 28th and end July 6th. Registration forms (included in this letter) can be emailed to amcdaniel@joaquinisd.net or turned in Monday - Thursday (7:00 am - 5:00 pm) at the JISD Administration Office. So, be sure to get your registration and permission forms turned in to the Administration Office and plan for some summer fun field trips!

Joaquin Jr.High &High School 

11109 Hwy 84 East, Joaquin, Texas 75954 

Telephone (936) 269-3128 Fax (936) 269-9123 

Web Page www.joaquinisd.net 

Terri Gray, Principal Jon Jones, Assistant Principal 

Email tgray@joaquinisd.net Email:jcjones@joaquinisd.net 

Joaquin Jr. High Summer Enrichment Fine Arts Field Trips 

Registration Form 

Please check and initial each day that your child will be attending (or not attending…….Your child can attend 1, 2 or 3 days): 

School DRESS CODE must be followed. Admission and lunch will be paid by the school. Your child can bring money for snacks /souvenirs (if they are available). Your child will need to be at the school at 7:30 am each day and we will return at approximately 5:30 pm each day. 

Thursday, July 22, 2021 - ARTSpace Summer 

Camp/Museum and SciPort offer students a variety 

of learning categories ranging from Fine Arts, 

Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics…all 

wrapped up in super fun activities! - Shreveport, 

Louisiana 

You can email Mrs. Ann McDaniel at amcdaniel@joaquinisd.net with any questions. Registration will open June 28th and end July 6th. Registration and permission forms can be emailed to amcdaniel@joaquinisd.net or turned in Monday - Thursday (7:00 am - 5:00 pm) at the JISD Administration Office. 

My child _____________________________ will be attending the field trips I checked above. 

_______________________________ _________________________________________ Student Signature Parent Signature 

_____________________ _________________________________________ Parent Phone # Parent email address

Joaquin Jr.High &High School 

11109 Hwy 84 East, Joaquin, Texas 75954 

Telephone (936) 269-3128 Fax (936) 269-9123 

Web Page www.joaquinisd.net 

Terri Gray, Principal Jon Jones, Assistant Principal 

Email tgray@joaquinisd.net Email:jcjones@joaquinisd.net 

JJHS Summer Enrichment 

Field Trips 

?Trip #1 - Monday, July 12 - Longview 

?AM Activity 

?The Mud Hut 

?Lunch 

?Papacita’s 

?PM Activity 

?Create ART! 

?Trip #2 - Thursday, July 15 - Longview 

?AM Activity 

?Painting with a Twist 

?Lunch 

?Cici’s Pizza 

?PM Activity 

?Longview Museum of Fine Arts - museum tour 

?Trip #3 Shreveport Thursday, July 22 

?AM Activity 

?ArtBreak – Artspace Summer Art Camp and museum tour 

?Lunch 

?Parish Taceaux 

?PM Activity 

?Sci Port

Joaquin Jr.High &High School 

11109 Hwy 84 East, Joaquin, Texas 75954 

Telephone (936) 269-3128 Fax (936) 269-9123 

Web Page www.joaquinisd.net 

Terri Gray, Principal Jon Jones, Assistant Principal 

Email tgray@joaquinisd.net Email:jcjones@joaquinisd.net 

Joaquin Jr. High Summer Enrichment Fine Arts Field Trips 

Date of Activity: 

? Monday, July 12, 2021 

? Thursday, July 15, 2021 

? Thursday, July 22, 2021 

Event Activity: 

? Monday, July 12, 2021 - The Mud Hut and Create ART! 

? Thursday, July 15, 2021 - “Painting with a Twist” and Longview Museum of Fine Arts ? Thursday, July 22, 2021 - ARTSpace Museum/Art Camp and Sci Port 

Destination: 

? Monday, July 12, 2021 and Thursday, July 15, 2021 - Longview, Texas 

? Thursday, July 22, 2021 - Shreveport, Louisiana 

Time of Departure: 7:30 am each day Time of Return: approximately 5:30 pm each day 

_____________________________________________ has my permission to attend each of these activities sponsored by Joaquin I.S.D. I understand that the students will be responsible for abiding by all policies and regulations adopted by Joaquin I.S.D. Board of Trustees, Joaquin I.S.D. Administration and those rules and regulations of the sponsor, group, or organization sponsoring the activity. I understand that discipline procedures for violations of these policies, rules and regulations may range from corporal punishment to expulsion and may include exclusion from future extracurricular activities. I also understand that the parent or student will be required to provide transportation to and from the school if the trip involves before or after normal school hours. 

______________________________________________ ____________________________________________ Parent or Guardian Signature Student Signature 

Note: If the student is not returning from the activity with the sponsors, the parent or guardian must provide a written note requesting that the student be allowed to ride with a parent/guardian or other immediate family member and personally speak with the sponsor. This may not be permissible with some functions in which the students are required to travel to and from the activity with the sponsor on the school-provided transportation. 

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 

amcdaniel@joaquinisd.net - you can email for more information on the field trips or send registration and permission forms to this email address 

Registration and permission forms can be turned in at the JISD Administration office - They are open Monday - Thursday from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Friday). All permission slips and registration forms MUST BE TURNED in by July 6, 2021. 

Students will only need money for snacks/souvenirs (if available). 

Ryan Fuller 

Superintendent of Schools __________________________________________________ Emergency Contact Number/Cell Phone Number 

__________________________________________________ 

Parent/Guardian Email Address

Joaquin Jr.High &High School 

11109 Hwy 84 East, Joaquin, Texas 75954 

Telephone (936) 269-3128 Fax (936) 269-9123 

Web Page www.joaquinisd.net 

Terri Gray, Principal Jon Jones, Assistant Principal 

Email tgray@joaquinisd.net Email:jcjones@joaquinisd.net 

PERMISSION FOR PARTICIPATION IN AN 

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY 

My child, _______________________________(student’s name), has my permission to participate in the _________________________________________ (name of activity or organization), an extracurricular activity of the Joaquin School District for the following date/dates:_____________________________________. 

I agree to assume responsibility for payment of all non-district paid expenses, including medical expenses, which may arise from practicing, rehearsing, traveling, or participating in any extracurricular activity sponsored by the District. I agree to assume responsibility for any and all liability arising out of my child’s participation in any extracurricular activity sponsored by the District. 

Parent Signature: __________________________________________________ Date: ____________________________________________________________

Geneva Baptist Church will host the annual homecoming on Sunday, June 27. The festivities begin at 10:45am. Music will be under the direction of Shane Mathews and Louann Halbert. 

The guest speaker will be our Railroad Commisioner, The Honorable Wayne Christian. For more than two decades he has served East Texans, representing us in Austin, doing what he believes is best for the people. Mr. Christian's home is near Center, Texas where he has a business as an investment advisor. He also has an extraordinarily successful gospel music background. Most of all, he loves His Lord, his family and his roots.

Pastor, Buddy Pratt says please join us. All are welcome. Lunch is provided and we promise you will be blessed.

Geneva Baptist Church is located on F.M. 330, just off Hwy 21 S.

Center Of The Universe Raceways had races at the downtown square today. The kids had a blast doing bike races and remote control races. The kids got to decorate their own trophies and even won some great prizes from some wonderful sponsors in the area. Thanks for letting us be a part of this great event.?

 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 23rd day of June, 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. Proclamation declaring June as Elder Abuse Prevention Awareness Month.

5. Discuss and possibly approve the authorization for the County to issue requests for proposals (RFP) for administrative services and requests for qualifications (RFQs) for professional services for the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

6. Adjourn.

COMMISSIONERS’ COURT                                                                                                                                             BUDGET WORKSHOP                                                                                                                                                            SHELBY COUNTY, TEXAS

Notice is hereby given that a Workshop of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 23rd day of June, 2021 at 10:00 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. Work on the budget for the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 with Elected Officials.

2. Adjourn.

AGENDA FOR June 21, 2021

1. Roll call, establishment of quorum, call to order – Joaquin ISD may have member(s) via video conference call – Texas  Government Code Section 551.127 (See Attached Code) 

2. Invocation and Pledges of Allegiance 

3. Audience Participation – In accordance with Joaquin ISD Policy BED Local no presentation shall exceed five   minutes. Delegations of more than five persons shall appoint one person to present their views before the Board. 

4. Report/Information items: 

4.1 Monthly Financial Report – Joel Bumback, Director of Finance 

4.2 Quarterly Investment Report- Joel Bumback Director of Finance 

4.3 Update on Projects 

4.4 Notice of Intent to Apply for ESSER II Grant 

4.5 Correspondence 

5. Agenda Items for consideration and possible action: 

 5.1 Minutes from previous month’s meeting 

 5.2 Approve 2020-21 Budget Amendments 

 5.3 Approve the 2021-2022 Compensation Plan for Joaquin ISD 

 5.4 Approve the bid for sale of property held by Joaquin ISD Trustee 

 5.5 Approve Rescheduling the July Board Meeting to July 12, 2021 at 6:00pm 

 5.6 Approve Rescheduling the August Board Meeting to August 9, 2021 6:00pm 

6. Enter Closed Session 

6.1 Enter closed session under Texas Government Codes §551.071, §551.074, §551.127, §551.129 (See Attached Code) 

6.1.1 Retirements, Resignations, Hiring, and Contracts 

a. Retirements 

b. Resignations 

c. Hire Teaching Positions 

d. Hiring Positions until August 2021 

7. Return to Open Session - Agenda Items for consideration and possible action: 

 7.1 Consideration and Board Action, if any, authorize: 

 7.1.1 Retirements, Resignations, Hiring, and Contracts 

a. Retirements 

b. Resignations 

c. Hire Teaching Positions 

d. Authorize Superintendent to hire positions unfilled until August 2021 

8. Recommendations for items to be placed on agenda for next Board meeting 

9. Designation of date and time of next meetings: July 12, 2021 - 6:00 p.m. 

10. Adjournment

Panola College’s Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) Club donated $20,501.15 to the City of Carthage. The funds will be put toward College View Park, the all-inclusive park to be built on Bird Drive.

“The members of the SOTA Club are thrilled to join with other community organizations to bring this amazing park to Carthage,” said Terrie King, the chair of the OTA program.

The SOTA Club raised the donated funds through sponsorships and an opportunity to win a Yeti cooler along with a variety of other prizes, which totaled over $1,000.

“We want to thank all the folks that supported our fundraising effort,” continued King. “Thank you to all of our sponsors, those who donated the items and the many folks that purchased drawing tickets. This would not have been possible without you.”

The OTA program was involved in the conception of the park, helping to do research about design and eventually presenting the idea to the city. King said that once the park has been built, one of her goals is to offer community health and wellness programs at the park as a way for her students to “learn through doing.”

“The all-abilities, all-ages park project is important to the SOTA Club, as well as the OTA program, because the goal of our profession is to help people do what they want and need to do,” said Abbie Suggs, the president of the SOTA Club. “We are looking forward to this park not only engaging our community in outdoor activities, but also for our OTA program to use as an extension of our classroom.”

Friday, June 18 is the Timpson Food for thought Food Bank distribution. It will be drive through beginning at 9am. Please park in First Baptist Church Timpson parking lot and begin drive through when instructed. It is warm and we will get started at 9am. We have been finishing around 10:30 but we have continued serving those that show up after the line is gone. Due to the heat (we have refrigeratedfrozed food items) we will NOT be serving after 11 in the morning. If you or someone you help gets food from our food bank please be in the parking lot by 10am. Thank you! 

Summer School Starts 8 am – 3:30 pm

*****************Summer Lunch Program Starts 7:30 am/11:30 am

June 20, 2021-Fathers Day

June 21, 2021-Called Board Hearing to Review Federal Programs 5:00 pm; Called Board Hearing to Discuss the 2021-2022 School District’s Budget; 5:15 pm; Regular Board Meeting 5:30 pm

July 4, 2021-Fireworks Display at the Raymond Jackson Stadium 7:00 pm

Good News Parents!!!

This year Tenaha ISD will provide all school supplies. You will not need to send anything unless you want something specific for your child except for a nap sack for younger students.

Welcome: Kadrian, Quintina Bryant and children.

I would like to thank Forney ISD and the Forney community for the opportunity to lead the North Forney basketball program. To all the administrators and board members at Forney ISD, we really appreciate you guys warm embrace. Making this decision to leave this district was extremely hard. It was definitely one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make. Not only is Forney a wonderful community, but I had some of the best student athletes a coach could ask for and it was starting to feel like home away from home. We would like to thank everyone that made our transition to Forney an easy process and we will never forget this tight knit community. However, my family and I will be embarking on a new journey to Tenaha ISD where I will serve as the Assistant Principal/Head Boys Basketball Coach. Thank you Tenaha ISD for this wonderful opportunity and we look forward to helping the Tenaha community thrive .

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding motorists the department is continuing its enforcement efforts across Texas focusing specifically on violations of the state’s Move Over/Slow Down law.  These periodic enforcement operations by DPS Troopers are planned throughout the year at various locations in Texas, with several operations planned in June. One of those operations will take place in the Beaumont area throughout the day on Wednesday, June 16. 

The law, originally passed in 2003, requires motorists to move over or slow down when certain vehicles – including police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles and tow trucks – are stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated. As a result of the 86th Legislative Session, highway maintenance or construction vehicles under contract with TxDOT, utility service vehicles, and stationary solid waste or recycling vehicles were added to the list of vehicles that require motorists to move over or slow down. 

Specifically, Texas law states that a driver must either:

• Vacate the lane closest to the applicable vehicles stopped on the side of the road (if the road has multiple lanes traveling in the same direction) or

• Slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit. (If the speed limit is below 25 mph, the driver must slow down to 5 mph)

Drivers should only move over if they can do so safely and legally; otherwise, they should slow down.

Violations of the law can result in a fine of up to $200; the fine increases to $500 if there is property damage.  If violators cause bodily injury, they can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor, resulting in possible jail time and a maximum fine of $2,000.

Data collected from January 2021 shows that DPS Troopers issued more than 6,400 warnings and citations to motorists violating the Move Over/Slow Down law.

Stephen F. Austin State University music faculty members Jacob Walburn, trumpet, James Pitts, piano, and Deb Scott, trombone, will present “Romantic and Contemporary Music for Trumpet and Piano” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 16, accessible on the School of Music’s website at music.sfasu.edu.

Works by Oskar Bohme, Brendan Collins, Eric Ewazen, JN Hummel, Nathan Ost, Joseph Turrin and Justin Writer will be performed.

To access the virtual recital free of charge, visit music.sfasu.edu the night of the performance. For additional information, contact the School of Music at (936) 468-4602.

Cutline: Jacob Walburn

Cutline: James Pitts

Cutline: Deb Scott

###

Robbie Goodrich

(936) 468-5820

goodrichrs@sfasu.edu

June 15, 2021

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tenaha ISD will be held June 21, 2021, beginning at 5:30 PM in the Boardroom of the Administration Office138 College Street Tenaha, Texas 75974 

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---Welcome 

2. Public Comment 3. Reports from Administrators 4. Consider for Approval Naming the District's New Field House 5. Consider for Approval the Minutes of the Previous Meeting(s) 

6. District Investment Reports 

7. Consider for Approval Amendments to the 2020-2021 District Budget 8. Consider for Approval the Adoption of the 2021-2022 School District Budget 9. Consider for Approval Renewing the Contract for Audit with Goff & Herrington, P.C. 

10. Consider for Approval a Contract for Property & Auto Liability 

11. Consider for Approval Region VII ESC Services for the 2021-2022 School Year 12. Consider for Approval Bid Proposals for Food Items, Bread, Milk, and Non-Food Items for the 2021 2022 School Term 

13. Consider for Approval Update 117 Relating to Local Policies: CH (LOCAL): PURCHASING AND ACQUISITION CHE (LOCAL): PURCHASING AND ACQUISITION - VENDOR DISCLOSURES AND CONTRACTS: CV(LOCAL): FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION: DEC(LOCAL): COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS - LEAVES AND ABSENCES 

14. Consider for Approval Revision to the 2021-2022 School Calendar 15. Consider for Approval an Official Delegate and Alternate for the 2021 TASB Delegate Assembly 16. District Employees and Officers, Texas Government Code $ 551.074 and Real Property Texas Code $ 552.72 17. Comments by Board Members 

AS 

V 

18. Adjournment

A Hearing to Discuss Federal Programs of the Board of Trustees of Tenaha ISD will be held June 21, 2021, beginning at 5:00 PM in the Boardroom of the Administration Office 138 College Street, Tenaha, Texas 75974 

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---Welcome 

2. Public Invitation and Comments 

3. Discussion of Federal Programs to include Title 1, Title 2,Title 3. Title 4, IDEA B, IDEA B PRESCHOOL, SRSA, PERKINS, HOMELESS, ESSER, and SAFETY AND SECURITY 4. Discuss of the Federal Program ESSER III 

5. Comments by Board Members 

6. Adjournment

Timpson Area Genealogy and Heritage Society  excitedly announces Neal Murphy will be the speaker at  theJune meeting at 2 PM, Wednesday, June 16. The  group will meet in the community room at the rear of the Timpson Public Library.  

Mr. Murphy resides in his birthplace , San Augustine, Texas,  with his wife, Clara. The father of two children,   grandfather of five grandchildren,  and great

grandfather  of four great grandchildren,  earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from SFASU in Nacogdoches. The holder of a Master's Degree in General Insurance, Mr. Murphy,  also studied religion at Baylor. He has served  his Baptist church as deacon, Sunday School teacher, and choir director.

Mr. Murphy  began  a writing career in 2005, and has published five books and over thirty-five short stories.. These stories have been published in several magazines, including Reminisce. His weekly stories are published in San  Augustine Tribune, The Sabine County Reporter,  Huntington-Diboll News, Around the Town,  and Shelby County Today.  

Mr. Murphy will speak to us about  the 1919 Jail Museum in San Augustine where he currently serves as docent He has promised to share one or two of his stories about growing up in rural East Texas, also

These stories are humorous  and  provide a positive look into a bygone era.

We invite the public to join us and enjoy Mr. Murphy's presentation.

 It was the musical composition project that almost didn’t happen. Plans were in place. Then came a worldwide pandemic, a pregnant pianist with a clear delivery deadline, and an apocalyptic Texas snow storm on the weekend participants were scheduled for performing and recording.

“Miraculously, the baby was patient, and we were able to move the all-day video/audio recording session one week later; we recorded it while many of us still didn’t have water or electricity at our houses because of the storm,” said Stephen Lias, professor of composition in the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music and composer for “From the Diaries of Adam and Eve.”

“It is sort of a miracle it ever happened,” Lias added.

“From The Diaries of Adam and Eve” will be simultaneously streamed on Facebook and Youtube at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 23. Lias wrote the 30-minute dramatic piece for mezzo-soprano, baritone and piano with humorous and moving texts by Mark Twain in 1995 when he was finishing his doctoral degree at Louisiana State University. The original version was written for orchestra.

“Over the years I’ve known that I needed a piano-vocal version if it was going to be performed more widely,” he said. “Twain wrote the charming ‘Extracts from Adam’s Diary’ in 1904 and then followed its success up in 1906 with ‘Eve’s Diary.’ My idea was to carefully select excerpts from both works to create a unified piece for two singers. Although they never speak directly to each other – being diary entries, after all – they experience the journey of life simultaneously, and we get a view into the humor and emotion that Twain is so good at.”

In addition to Lias, other SFA collaborators/performers include Scott LaGraff , voice professor at SFA, and his wife, Kimberly, portraying the roles of Adam and Eve; and Hyun Ji Oh Jeon, SFA collaborative pianist, on piano. Technical collaborators include Trey Cartwright, director of photography and colorist who is a graduate of SFA’s filmmaking program and videographer for SFA’s University Marketing Communications office; James Adams, director of audio production and head of the School of Music’s Sound Recording Technology program; Angela Bacarisse, lighting designer and professor in the School of Theatre; Steve Bacarisse, technical lighting advisor and technical director for the SFA College of Fine Arts; and Scott Stephen Hansen, editorial and transcription assistant and graduate student in the School of Music.

“We set out specifically to make a video version of this piece – not just a captured live performance,” Lias said. “We wanted it to be intimate and bring the audience right in next to the performers. We’re hoping to share it with the broad musical community that exists online – both our local friends, but also singers, pianists and music-lovers everywhere who might enjoy a new piece.

“While short-form videos of contemporary classical music have been a growing genre, the pandemic certainly forced many ensembles and audiences to become used to experiencing music in online events, and this work lends itself exceptionally well to that,” Lias added.

The score just recently became available for purchase through the Theodore Presser Company, and it is Lias’ hope that this engaging video production of the work will “help expose singers to the work and help this new publication find ‘find it’s legs.’”

“As with all the arts, we also hope this work will be entertaining and moving for a broad range of musicians and audience members,” Lias said.

The June 23 event will start with a short video featurette with some of the collaborators talking about the project, followed by the full 30-minute work, which comes in four movements titled “The First Week,” “The Second Week,” “A Year Later” and “Many Years Later.” After the piece concludes, the team – performers and technical staff – will be available for a live video question-and-answer session with the audience.

Each collaborator came away with different learning experiences that relate to their disciplines. Angela Bacarisse said she was excited to work on the project with her husband “because it was a challenge to take a non-theatrical space and make it look like somewhere else.” They used lighting equipment that was visible throughout the recording and changed the look of the space  and reflected changes of emotion through changing colors. “It was an opportunity to be more creative, and we didn’t have to hide the fact that the magic was happening,” Stephen Bacarisse said.

Cartwright said he entered into the project curious as to how it was going to happen. “We were going to use more cameras than we had access to on campus,” he said. “It was a challenge getting these different cameras that would show footage as similar as we could. But we got good images that served the purpose of story being told through the music. I think it looks very good, and I’m happy with my part of the project.”

Scott LaGraff explained the story as “an exploration of the relationship of marriage and the arch that it goes through using Adam and Eve as archetypes.” He said he and Kimberly identify with Adam and Eve as they are presented in the piece.

“We’ve been married for over 27 years, so this is a deeply personal piece for us,” Scott LaGraff said, adding that Twain “nails it” in identifying stages of a relationship as time passes, starting humorously as Twain plays on the challenges of early marriage when young couples see the faults within each other and “get on each other’s nerves. ”

“By the end, they realize how significant and important and transformative their relationship has been over many years together,” he said “It’s a good play on real life.”

Those wishing to attend can visit http://bit.ly/AdamEve2021 for links to the event, or check Lias’ Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/stephenliascomposer.  Lias is represented by Black Tea Music, a management company in New York City. Information is available at https://blackteamusic.com/.

Cutline: A collaboration between colleagues at Stephen F. Austin State University will bring to life “From the Diaries of Adam and Eve,” composed by SFA music professor Stephen Lias, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 23. The event will be streamed on Facebook and Youtube and accessible at http://bit.ly/AdamEve2021 and https://www.facebook.com/stephenliascomposer.

Texans across the state still experiencing the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic can find relief for utility costs through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs’ (TDHCA) Texas Rent Relief or the Comprehensive Energy Assistance (CEAP) Program. Funding made available by Congress for pandemic response assistance support TDHCA programming, and can be accessed by renters and homeowners that meet certain eligibility requirements. 

“These funds serve as a vital resource for some of our most vulnerable Texans,” said Bobby Wilkinson, TDHCA executive director. “Through the Texas Rent Relief Program and our CEAP partners, TDHCA is working to ensure that those needing help to keep the lights on and AC running this summer can find the assistance to do so.” 

Having already paid over $6 million in utility bill assistance, the Texas Rent Relief Program currently has nearly $422 million in funding still available for renters to pay past due utility and rent costs, and can pay up to three months of future bills. An additional $1 billion will soon be added to the program. Income eligibility requirements and an online application can be found at TexasRentRelief.com.

Additionally, Texas homeowners (renters, too) in need of utility bill assistance can find help through TDHCA’s statewide network of CEAP partners. Funded through U.S. Health and Human Services, nearly $144 million has been made available to assist low income households in meeting their immediate energy needs. Households must meet eligibility requirements including income at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines (https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/community-affairs/ceap/guidance.htm). To find a CEAP administrator serving areas of the state, please visit TDHCA’s Help for Texans. Choose the Utility Bill Payment Help option, enter the city or county and click the Find Help button. 

Texas residents can sign up to receive news and announcements about pandemic rental assistance by joining TDHCA email lists.

About The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs 

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs is committed to expanding fair housing choice and opportunities for Texans through the administration and funding of affordable housing and homeownership opportunities, weatherization, and community-based services with the help of for-profits, nonprofits, and local governments. For more information about fair housing, funding opportunities, or services in your area, please visit www.tdhca.state.tx.us or the Learn about Fair Housing in Texas page.

Pre k School Supply List 2021 2022 1 package of white cardstock 1 package of colored cardstock 1 package of Manila paper 1 package of construction paper 1 pkg. white copy paper 4 red folders 12 glue sticks 4 boxes of crayons 2 boxes of tissue 1 pkg. washable markers 2 bottles of white glue 1 pkg. watercolors 1 large package of baby wipes 1 pkg, 4 count Play-Dough brand play dough 1 box of gallon baggies 1 box of quart baggies 1 set of headphones for computer use (No Ear buds) 1 pkg. plain paper plates with no designs Large Backpack (no rollers) Plastic Nap Mats only (No Fabric mats, No Coverings for mats, No Pillows.) 

Kindergarten Supply List 

2 Primary Journals 2 Primary Handwriting Tablets 1 Pkg. Construction Paper 1 Pkg. Manilla Paper 2 Pkg 24 Count Pencils 1 Pair of Fiskars Scissors 6 Pkg. 24 Count Crayola Crayons 12 Glue Sticks 1 Bottle Elmers Glue 1 Pkg Water Paint 1 Pkg. Washable Markers (Classic Primary Colors) 2 Mead Composition Notebooks 4 Plastic Folders with Brads 1 Large Backpack 1 Pkg Play-Doh (Only Play-Doh Brand Please) 2 Kleenex 1 Pair of Headphones They will be used daily) 1 Set of Clothes in a Ziploc Bag with their name on the bag. 1 Box of Gallon Size Ziploc Bags BOYS ONLY 1 Box of Quart Size Ziploc Bags GIRLS ONLY 

First Grade Supply List 2021-2022 Headphones (NO earbuds) Backpack Clipboard Pencil Box or Bag 36 Pencils 1 Large Pink Eraser 4 Pkgs. Pencil Top Erasers 6 Boxes of Crayons 1 Pair of Scissors 12 Glue Sticks 4 Small Composition Books (9 3/4 x 712) 1 box of Gallon Baggies 1 box of Quart Baggies 2 Binders 1 inch) 2 Crayola Markers 

2nd Grade School Supplies List 2021-2022 

Backpack 3 pkg Pencil Top Erasers 5 pkg No. 2 Pencils (Ticonderoga or Dixon) 1 Pencil Bag or Box 1 Pair of Scissors 6 Large Glue Sticks 4 Crayola 24 pack Crayons 2 pkg. Crayola Map Pencils 2 pkg Highlighters 1 Wide Ruled Notebook Paper 4 Plastic Folders with Pockets and Brads 4 Spiral Notebooks 2 Composition Notebooks 1 Inch 3 Ring Binder with Pockets 1 pkg Pen + Gear Dividers without Pockets (5 pk with red, blue, yellow, orange, and purple) 1 pkg Index Cards 1 pkg Cardstock Assorted Colors 1 pkg Construction Paper (BOYS) 1 pkg Manilla Paper (GIRLS) 1 pair of Headphones or Earbuds 1 box quart Ziploc Bags (BOYS) 1 box gallon Ziploc Bags (GIRLS) 

Third Grade School Supply 

Backpack 1-earphones/headphones 1-scissors 2 packs of highlighters 3-pencil top erasers 4-boxes of 24 count pencils 1-notebook filler paper 2-1 inch binder 1- 2 inch binder 4-plastic pocket folders with holes 3-composition notebooks 1-package of colored pencils 1-package of markers 1 pencil bag 4 glue sticks 2-packages of dividers 2 boxes of Crayola crayons 3-packages of index cards 

Fourth Grade School Supply 7 composition books 2 black 1 inch binders 4 pkgs. glue sticks (16 glue sticks) 4 pkgs, map pencils 1 box 24 count crayons 6 pkgs. 20 count pencils 3 pkgs. cap erasers 2 pkgs, highlighters (fine point/skinny) 1 pair of scissors 2 pkgs. Wide ruled notebook paper 1 zipper pencil bag 1 pkg. colored copy paper 3 large boxes of Kleenex 1 backpack (no rollers) 4 folders without brads (2 green, 2 red) 1 pkg. Dividers 2 pkgs, index cards (small) 1 pair of earbuds or headphones 

TIMPSON ELEMENTARY FIFTH GRADE 

Math 

• 2-1 inch binders 

• 1 pkg of sheet protectors 

• 2 pkgs post-it notes . 7 dividers 

• 2 - pkgs of highlighters 

• 1 composition book . 1 pkg card stock (any color) Reading 

• 1-1 inch binder . 7 Dividers 

• 2 composition books Science 

• 12 glue sticks 

• 2 composition books 

Homeroom Class 

• Girls: 1 box of quart-sized Ziploc baggies 

• Boys: 1 box of gallon-sized Ziploc baggies . 3 boxes of Kleenex 

The following items are student's responsibility to have EVERY day in class. They will keep these items with them in their backpacks. Blue/Black Pens Pencils Eraser Ear buds 

• 1 pair 8" scissors 

• 1 pkg of colored pens 

• 1 pkg of colored pencils 

• 1 sharpie 

• Pencil Bag . 1 pkg fine tip markers

 A Carthage man has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Tyreese Williams, 34, pleaded guilty on March 3, 2021, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker.

“Felons who possess firearms endanger our communities and are a priority for federal prosecution,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.  “Our office will continue to partner with federal, state, and local agencies to keep firearms out of the wrong hands.  As a seven-time convicted felon, Tyreese Williams should have expected this day of reckoning.”

According to information presented in court, Williams was arrested on May 2, 2019 by deputies of the Panola County Sheriff's Office following a nine-mile high-speed chase where Williams’ speed exceeded 120 miles per hour.  Subsequent to Williams’ arrest, deputies searched Williams’ car and found a handgun.  While being placed under arrest, Williams informed the deputies that he had swallowed a large amount of methamphetamine just prior to surrendering to police. 

Among his seven prior felony convictions, Williams has previously been convicted of evading detention in a motor vehicle, possession of a controlled substance (twice), felon in possession of a firearm, forgery (twice), and assault family violence by impeding an airway or circulation.  As a convicted felon, Williams is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. Williams was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 15, 2020.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Panola County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Locker.

Have you ever felt as though you were being watched? If so and you were a mammal roaming the 2,560-acre Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest during fall 2019, your suspicions likely were correct. 

Dr. Christopher Schalk, Stephen F. Austin State University assistant professor of forest wildlife management, and Dr. Daniel Scognamillo, SFA adjunct professor of forest wildlife management, are two of more than 150 researchers from across the continental U.S. to participate in the first nationwide survey of mammals initiated by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.

The survey, known as Snapshot USA, comprises 1,509 motion-activated camera traps throughout 110 sites in the U.S.

“Our goal was to provide a space for researchers from all 50 states to contribute a subset of their data to a broader initiative to maximize our coverage of the country and better understand drivers of mammal distributions to best inform conservation as rapidly as possible,” said Michael Cove, curator of mammalogy at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

Schalk and Scognamillo deployed 19 camera traps throughout the SFA Experimental Forest during September and October 2019 and recorded numerous observations of more than 10 mammal species, including white-tailed deer, Southern flying squirrel, bobcat, coyote and nine-banded armadillo.

“These data are really valuable because they allow researchers to address questions and problems on the ecology and conservation of mammals at broader spatial scales,” Schalk said.

The results of Snapshot USA were featured in Ecology, a peer-reviewed journal published by the Ecological Society of America. The 2019 survey data also is publicly available at emammal.si.edu/snapshot-usa.

Cutline: Dr. Christopher Schalk, SFA assistant professor of forest wildlife management, and Dr. Daniel Scognamillo, SFA adjunct professor of forest wildlife management, participated in the first nationwide survey of mammals initiated by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. The survey, known as Snapshot USA, comprises 1,509 motion-activated camera traps throughout 110 sites in the U.S. Pictured is a common raccoon documented at the Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest during the survey. 

Story by Sarah Fuller, outreach coordinator for Stephen F. Austin State University’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture.

-SFA-

Contact:

University Marketing Communications

(936) 468-2605

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has received a report of a new scam that is circulating in our area.

The caller is stating he is with the Lions Club International Grant Fund. The caller will tell you that you have won a large sum of money but in order to obtain it, you will be required to pay a fee upfront for the transfer to take place. In order to complete the transfer, you are required to send money through prepaid debit cards, Google Play cards, etc.

THIS IS A SCAM. DO NOT PLAY INTO THIS. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR MONEY. The scam is circulating by telephone and through Facebook messenger. If you are contacted through Facebook messenger, the account the message is being sent from has been hacked.

Unfortunately, the SCSO has no way of tracking the individual(s) who are doing this. PLEASE be wise and do not give them your banking information, credit cards numbers or any personal identifiers.

Make sure your family, friends and especially the elderly are aware of this scam. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 936.598.5601.

Center Garden Club is pleased to present the Yard of the Month Award to Ron Bogue of 208 Kennedy Street.  Ron has a most attractive front yard with three focal points:  two are his stone-rimmed beds brimming with brightly-colored perennial flowers and the third is his masterpiece, a large container garden of colorful pots creatively arranged: stacked, inverted, and ajar, and planted with a variety of cascading succulents and other greenery. Exquisite metal sculptures further enhance Ron's plantings.

Center Garden Club encourages everyone to view Ron's gardens, truly delightful contributions to the beauty of our community.


Questions?  Carolyn@Bounds.com

JUNE 26 GUIDED BATTLEFIELD TOUR PROGRAM

AT MANSFIELD STATE HISTORIC SITE

Join park staff for a special guided tour of the Mansfield battlefield on Saturday, June 26. The tour will visit key points on the field where some of the most significant action of the battle occurred.

Two (2) tour times will be offered: 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.  Each tour will last app. 1 hour and involve outdoor walking; appropriate footwear and clothing recommended.

Mansfield State Historic Site is located at 15149 LA Highway 175, three miles south of the town of Mansfield, Louisiana.  For more information call 318.872.1474 locally, toll-free 888.677.6267, or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mansfieldshs

Congratulations to Freshmen Damien Horton for earning 3rd Chair All-State Tuba and Junior Stephanie Ruan for earning 2nd chair All-State Flute. Tomorrow they will perform with the 2021 ATSSB All-State Symphonic Band conducted by composer Brian Balmages. The concert will begin at 11:00 am in the Melissa Performance Hall in Melissa, Texas. The performance will be live-streamed at www.atssb.org. Congratulations, we are very proud of you guys!

Jayden Windham, a sophomore member of the Timpson High School Band, was selected as a member of the 2021 Association of Texas Small School Bands (ATSSB) All-State Band according to Timpson Band Director Deshmond Johnson.

 
He was chosen for this honor in competitive auditions held this year across the state at region and area levels. Windham plays Tuba in band at Timpson under the direction of Johnson and James Trammell, who are members of the Association of Texas Small School Bands, a 1,175 member group of band directors in class 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A high schools in Texas.



Windham represented Timpson at the ATSSB All-State Clinic/Concert this past week. The ATSSB All-State Bands met for rehearsals in Melissa, Texas, June 9-12, 2021, and presented a concert on Saturday, June 12, 2021, in the Melissa Performance Hall.

He is the son of Michael and Sarah Windham. His grandparents are Eileen Randall, Tim & Sabrina Randall, and David & Rebecca Windham.

History

On May 17, 2005, the Tenaha Independent School District Board of Trustees approved the creation of the Tenaha Tiger Hall of Honor in order to recognize those individuals that have distinguished themselves as past or current educators, alumni, or supporters of the Tenaha school system.  

Either a brunch or meal is served at some point during the day and a plaque is presented to honoree (s) and a very distinguished plaque with their picture is placed in the high school foyer.

All Hall of Honor inductees and their immediate families are presented to the community on the football field prior to the Tiger Homecoming Game or other game time if that happens to be the case.  Six complimentary tickets are provided, and a designated seating area is provided.

Rules:

Inductees:  Four Categories

1. Alumni

2. Athletes

3. Educators

4. Supporters

Inductees may be nominated five years after graduation or have given five years of service to Tenaha ISD.

Class of 2021:  1-2 Honorees nominated by at least 3 TISD Alumni as chosen by the Hall of Honor Committee and approved by the Tenaha Independent School District’s Board of Trustees.

Selection Committee:  Five person committee (2 rotating board members with annual terms and 3 resident Alumni Members)

The 17th annual induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at the TISD Cafetorium unless a situation occurs to prevent our convening.  All inductees will be introduced to the community during a pre-game ceremony prior to the game between the Tenaha Tigers and the Colmesneil Bulldogs. 

Timeline:

June 14, 2021            Nomination forms available

August 2, 2021        Deadline for submitting nominations to Tenaha ISD

August 16, 2021        Selections announced

October 2, 2021        Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony 

Nominations to the Hall of Honor must be made by former Tenaha High School Alumni.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) is pleased to announce our House Check Program.

“We got the idea to implement this service to the citizens of Shelby County after seeing that other surrounding counties were doing it,” stated Sheriff Kevin W. Windham. “We are here to help protect our citizens and this is the least we can do.”

Residents of Shelby County who will be away from their homes for an extended period of time can fill out a house check request form at the SCSO. Based on officer availability and call volumes, an officer will go by your residence and check on your property until your scheduled return. This program is designed for those who are out of town on vacation, away for work, and other extended circumstances.

Forms are available at the SCSO and must be filled out in person. For more information on this program, please contact SCSO Public Relations Director Leah Chase at 936-598-5601 or by email at leah.chase@co.shelby.tx.us.

                                                    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 16th day of June, 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. Public comments on Agenda item.

3. Accept donation of concrete debris to Commissioner Pct. 4.

4. Bobby Daw to give report on Shelby County Expo.

5. Tracy Rook with Texas Premier Communications to give an update on Radio’s.

6. Discuss and possibly approve the donation of a 2013 Tahoe SUV (VIN# 1GNLC2E00DR214715) by the City of Timpson for the use and benefit of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department.

7. Discuss and possibly approve the purchase of a 2019 Tahoe SUV (VIN # 1GNLCDEC6KR330097) from the City of Timpson for a purchase cost of $37,082.17, the vehicle will be utilized by the Sheriff’s Department.

8. Acknowledge verbal agreement with Rodney Dean and Commissioner Pct.3 to access Dean’s Property to purchase sand.

9. Appoint two members to represent Shelby County on the DETCOG Board of Directors.

10. Discuss and possibly approve Commissioner Pct. 3 to purchase a new Kobelco SK85CS 

Excavator. 

11. Adopt County Holidays for 2022

1. Adjourn.

The other day I had a pimple on an earlobe.  It felt a little sore for a few days and then went away.  It got me to wondering about earlobes.  Why are we humans blessed with them?  I did a little research and found some interesting information about them which I will share with you.

The following is the medical description of an earlobe: “The human earlobe is composed of tough areolar and adipose connective tissues, lacking the firmness and elasticity of the rest of the auricle.  In some cases the lower lobe is connected to to the side of the face.  Since the earlobe does not contain cartlige, it has a large blood supply, and may help to warm the ears and maintain balance.  However, earlobes are not generally considered to have any major biological function.  The ear lobe contains many nerve endings, and for some people is an erogenous zone.”

There you have the medical side of what earlobes are and what they are made of.  It appears that many years ago, humans discovered that ear lobes could be pierced and earrings attached.  Now days both men and women sport all kinds of things attached to the ear lobe.  They can be a fashion statement.  However, did you know that your earlobes can describe what your personality may be?  Consider the following:

A. Independent and Generous:

If your earlobes are unattached to your cheek you are a free spirit – which means that you yourself are a bit unattached and do not pay attention to what society expects of you. Free spirits let life take them wherever they're destined to be.  They know that they will be happy wherever they end up. Happiness is the key at the end of the day. Those with unattached earlobes are devoted to the things and people that matter.  They are always thinking about others, and are extremely giving.

B. Secure and Motivated:

If your earlobes are attached to your cheek, you are self-aware.  You are understanding of your actions and how they may affect those around you.  At times you may be a little self-aware.  That means that you are sure of your actions, and how they may affect others around you. You may have the tendency to think that you're always right, but you are able to quickly move past it when you're in the wrong. You try to listen to the opinions of others more often and think about how their views differ from your own. Although you always have it together, talking to someone who is a bit more unattached (say someone with unattached earlobes) could turn things around for you. 

It's no surprise that everyone's bodies are shaped differently.  You know that you're unique based upon your fingerprints, but have you ever thought about how different your earlobes are?  Kind of shocking, right?  We also know that as we age, our earlobes begin to sag and seem larger – are they getting fatter or just saging more?

So, now you know that your personality is determined by whether your earlobes are attached to your cheek, or unattached and hanging.  Are you a type A or a Type B as described above?  Or, are you like me and just don't give a hoot?

An ongoing operation by the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office has landed a Nacogdoches man in jail on several felony charges.  Sheriff Investigators identified Steve Polk as a major distributor of narcotics. The sheriff’s Office has been working the case for several months. Intelligence information obtained by investigators revealed that Polk left Nacogdoches yesterday afternoon enroute to the Houston area to resupply on narcotics. 

Sheriff investigators set up on highway 59 for several hours monitoring traffic, waiting for Polk’s return to the county. His vehicle was spotted late last night, entering into Nacogdoches County around 9:30 pm. 

Polk who was the lone occupant in the vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation in the 6300 block of highway 59. The deputy conducting the traffic stop observed that Polk did not have a valid driver license and did not have insurance on his motor vehicle. Polk was subsequently arrested on those charges. 

A search of the motor vehicle was conducted due to the smell of marijuana emitting from the car. A small amount of marijuana and Xanax pills were found in the console of the vehicle. Deputies conducted a more detailed search of the vehicle at the Sheriff’s Office, which a large amount of drugs were found hidden underneath the dash. 

Investigators confiscated 260 grams of Methamphetamine and 75 grams of PCP. Investigators also found and confiscated a loaded 9mm handgun from inside the car. 

Steve Polk 40 years of age, from Nacogdoches was arrested last night on the following charges: two counts of Possession of a controlled substance a 1st degree and 2nd degree felony. He was also charged with Unlawful possession of a firearm by a felony, Possession of a dangerous drug, class A misdemeanor, and no valid driver license along with no insurance. 

Polk was booked into the Nacogdoches County Jail. His bond has been set at $150,000.00 dollars on the felony charges. 

Sheriff Bridges stated that the crystal methamphetamine recovered was pink in color. Most of the intelligence reports we have received from the DEA indicate that methamphetamine that resembles this color is usually laced with Fentanyl.  The evidence will be sent to the DPS lab for further analysis of the illegal substances. 

Sheriff Bridges stated that our investigation has shown that the suspect was a major supplier of methamphetamine and illegal pills in our area.  This is another significant arrest of a major drug dealer in our area that will certainly have an impact on our streets.

A Nacogdoches man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Marcus Bernard Tutt, 42, pleaded guilty on Jan. 27, 2021, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced to 222 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Truncale.

“Methamphetamine abuse has a tremendously negative effect on our local communities, touching upon every facet of our daily lives” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.  “Ensuring the health and safety of East Texas begins with prosecutions like this case, and you can expect EDTX to maintain its aggressive posture in prosecuting meth trafficking.”

According to information presented in court, on Nov. 25, 2019, Tutt was stopped by a trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety for a traffic violation and was arrested for driving without a valid license.  During a subsequent search of Tutt’s vehicle, the trooper located 100 grams of methamphetamine and a revolver. Tutt has numerous prior felony convictions, including possession of a controlled substance, credit card abuse, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, attempted obstruction, forgery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and multiple convictions for delivery of a controlled substance. As a convicted felon, Tutt is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.  Tutt was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 19, 2020.  

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.

Notice of Regular Meeting 

Board of Trustees 

Shelbyville Independent School District 

June, 2021

A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Shelbyville Independent School District will be held on Monday, June 14, 2021, beginning at 12:00 noon, in the Board Room of the Shelbyville Independent School District at 343 FM 417 West, 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 

1. Minutes of the May 10, 2021, meeting of the board

2. Monthly financial reports

5. Consider for approval

   1. Region VII ESC Contract Agreements

   2. Teacher Salary Schedule

   3. Bank Depository Contract Extension

   4. Resolution Regarding ESSER and Policy CB (Local)

   5. Baseball and Softball Field Turf Projects

   6. Elementary and Middle School Flooring Project

6. Principals’/Directors’ Reports

7. Superintendent’s Reports

1. Use of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER II and III) 

2. School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) Report

3. Articles of Interest

4. General Updates

8. Executive Session

1. Superintendent Evaluation & Deliberation on Contract

2. Resignations/Employment

3. Personnel

9.  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 June 9, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.

                                                                                                  __________________________

Ray West, Superintendent

Texas faces the second worst nursing shortage in the country and ranks 51^st nationally in health care access and affordability. After one of the most harrowing years in modern health care history, nurses across Texas were exceedingly hopeful that lawmakers would prioritize health care and pass policies and reforms to support patients, support nurses and improve our working conditions. Instead, the 87^th Legislative Session proved a staggering disappointment.

After a year spent frequently and emphatically extolling the importance of nurses on the front lines of the pandemic, lawmakers failed to address urgent issues that have made it harder for nurses to provide care and for Texans to access care.

The past year of historic highs in nursing shortages demonstrated a dire need to expand the health care workforce. However, lawmakers cut the budget for the Nursing Shortage Reduction Program, allotted biennially to schools of nursing to increase enrollment. In addition, lawmakers refused to make permanent some of the waivers that made it easier for nurses to practice during the pandemic, further exacerbating the shortage.

Legislators also neglected to pass bills that would have helped protect nurses from workplace violence. In addition, Texas has now fallen even further behind most other states after lawmakers declined to increase our state’s competitiveness for top primary care talent by removing outdated mandates on advanced practice registered nurses. 

The last year taught us both the critical importance of nurses and nursing care in our state and the overwhelming degree of dedication our nurses commit to the patients who need them. While several lawmakers worked hard on behalf of Texas patients and nurses, we are deeply disheartened by the lack of progress this legislative session.

The 87^th Legislature left unpassed a great deal of important legislation that would have eased the state’s health care workforce shortage, improved working conditions for nurses, and resulted in more health care access for all Texans. In addition to budget cuts, the following bills and measures did not pass:

• HB 2029 (Klick), SB 915 (Hancock) — Would have removed anti-competitive regulations for APRNs to expand access to care for Texans.
• HB 1524 (Lucio) — Would have allowed APRNs to prescribe Schedule II medications under delegated authority from a physician.
• HB 326 (Howard) — Would have required facilities to adopt workplace violence prevention plans, encouraged reporting of incidents of workplace violence, and ensured that providers receive the care they need after an incident.
• HB 396 (Moody), SB 433/499 (Zaffirini and Blanco) – Would have created a presumption that nurses who contracted COVID-19 did so in the scope of their employment.
• HB 2409 (Dean) – Would have codified the COVID-19 measure waiving CE requirements and reactivation fees for nurses who came out of retirement/reactivated their license during a disaster. 
• HB 982 (Howard and Darby) — Would have created an expedited licensure process for APRNs who are licensed out of state.
• SB 146 (Powell), HB 2062 (Klick) — Would have created a loan repayment program for nurses who work in long-term care.
• HB 3819 (Klick and Powell) – Would have allowed school nurses to administer prescription asthma medicine to a student in emergency situations

We will continue to advocate for nurses and patients throughout any special sessions and during the interim.

Signed by the following Texas nursing organizations:

Texas Nurses Association

Texas Nurse Practitioners

Consortium of Texas Certified Nurse Midwives

Texas Clinical Nurse Specialists

Texas DNP

Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses of Texas

Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses of Austin

Texas Association of Deans & Directors of Professional Nursing Programs

Texas Emergency Nurses Association

Texas School Nurses Organization

Texas Organization for Nursing Leadership

Texas Organization of Associate Degree Nursing

Texas Organization of Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing Education

Texas Collaboration of periOperative Registered Nurses

Association of periOperative Registered Nurses of Greater Houston

Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses - Texas

Houston Chapter Oncology Nursing Society

Shelby County Outreach Ministries is seeking sponsors for their ATV Raffle Fundraiser.  The winner will be drawn on the last day of the 2021 Poultry Festival.  We are asking that anyone interested in becoming a sponsor fill out our sponsorship form by July 30, 2021.  This will allow us time to announce all sponsors.  Each business will have its name on a banner that will hang at our booth at the Poultry Festival and be announced in the local media.  There are various levels of sponsorship.  If you have any questions, please call us at 936-598-4990.  

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in partnership with the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Health & Fitness Committee will be having monthly lunch and learn to provide information on various topics.  This month we will focus on financial health.  

The link between mental health and financial health are more connected than some may realize. According to Forbes, stress resulting from financial challenges is often chronic. 

High levels of financial stress, as with other stressors, can manifest itself through physical symptoms such as anxiety, headaches/migraines, compromised immune systems, digestive issues, high blood pressure, muscle tension, heart arrhythmia, depression and a feeling of being overwhelmed.  Individuals with high financial stress are twice as likely to report poor health overall and are four times more likely to complain of ailments, according to Forbes.

On Wednesday, June 16, 2021 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in partnership with the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Health & Fitness Committee and Shelby Savings Bank will host a lunch and learn on Financial Health.  A representative from Shelby Savings will be our guest speaker.  Dr. Dan Wilkins, Ph.D., Center High School Class of 1969 graduate, has his doctoral degree in psychology and his master’s degree in counseling from Stephen F. Austin State University. He is licensed by the Texas Department of Health as a Licenses Professional Counselor and a Marriage and Family Therapist.  

Shelby Savings Bank has been serving this area since about 1978.  The mission of Shelby Savings Bank is to be a dynamic, growing and high-performance bank that is the premier financial institution within the markets we serve. We are focused on listening and responding to our customers' and communities' true needs while providing the highest level of service.

Be sure to RSVP to 936 598-7744 no later than Monday June 14, 2021 if you would like to attend. Lunch will be provided; space is limited and all COVID19 precautions will be taken.  If you have questions, please contact Feleshia Thompson, County Extension Agent – Family and Community Health at the above number or via email at feleshia.thompson@ag.tamu.edu.

Please be aware that TxDOT will be closing FM 2787 in Joaquin tomorrow, Wednesday, so that Union Pacific Railroad can make repairs at the railroad crossing. The closure will be from 8 am until 5 pm. Traffic control will be in place with signage to alert motorists of the closure.

The Panola Men’s Team is the 2019 defending National Champion.  The CNFR was canceled in 2020 due to covid-19.  This year, the Men’s Team won the Southern Region to qualify in the top spot, which the top 2 teams from each of the 11 regions across the country qualify.    Coach Jeff Collins will be taking 7 men’s team members and one young lady to represent Panola College.  The top three individuals in each event in a region qualify for the CNFR.

The Panola Men’s Team competing at the CNFR include:  Kolt Dement, a freshman from Rusk, TX, won the Southern Region Bareback Championship;   Gauge McBride, a freshman from Kearney, NE, won the Southern Region All Around Championship;  Kincade Henry, a freshman from Mt. Pleasant, TX, took second place and teammate Macon Murphy, sophomore from Keatchie, LA, took third in the tie down roping;  Team Roper Riley Rieken, a freshman from  won 2^nd in the Southern Region;  Michael Womack, of Bastrop, LA, took 2^nd in the saddle bronc, and Seth Rustin, a sophomore from Nacogdoches will be competing in the bullriding. 

Tie-down roper, Macon Murphy is the only team member returning to the CNFR from the 2019 Championship Team.  In 2019 at the CNFR, Macon stunned the crowd and brought them all to their feet with the fastest time ever at the CNFR and went on to win the Tie Down Rookie of the Year.

Jayden Gould, a sophomore from Lufkin, TX, will be representing the women’s team for Panola this year in the breakaway roping.  Jayden finished 2^nd in the Southern Region to qualify for the CNFR.    

The CNFR begins Sunday, June 13 at 1 p.m. and will continue each day down to Championship Night on Saturday, June 19.  The College National Finals Rodeo is expanding live television coverage on ESPN. This year, all performances of the CNFR—Tuesday through Saturday (June 15-19)—will air on ESPN3. ESPN3 is available by using the ESPN App. Download the ESPN App from the App Store or Google Play. ESPN3 is also available on your computer. To view ESPN3 on a computer: Go to ESPN.com, click on ‘WATCH’, scroll down to ‘CHANNELS’, Select ESPN3 and click on “College Rodeo”. CNFR performances will stream live and replay the following day.  Watching ESPN3 is easy using iOS, AppleTV, Andoid, Chromcast, Roku, Kindle Fire, Fire TV, and Xbox. You may need to register to watch, using your cable or satellite provider sign in.  Additionally, the CNFR telecast production team will be producing two programs to air later in the summer on ESPNU.  These programs will feature interviews, premier action from Casper, Wyoming, and the crowing of the CNFR champions.  The CNFR telecast team would like to thank our corporate partners: Cinch Jeans & Shirts, Wyoming Division of Tourism, VisitCasper, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Associaion, Platinum Performance, Cactus Saddlery, , and Ram Rodeo.

Have you ever been caught in a “catch-22” situation?  I think most all of us have at one time or another.  Just what is meant by this phrase, and from whence did it come?

The “official” definition of “catch-22” is this – “a paradoxical situation from which an individual cannot escape because of contradictory rules.”  A good example of this definition is the following:  You want to find work.  You find a job that you think you could do well.  You ask for the job, but are told you cannot have it.  The reason?  It’s because you have never done the job before.

This is insane, you think.  You cannot get the job because you have never done the work.  But, how can you ever do the work if you cannot get the job?  And that is the catch – Catch-22- to be exact.

Catch-22 is described as a set of circumstances in which one requirement is dependent upon another, which is in turn dependent upon the first.  This was coined by Joseph Heller in his 1961 novel Catch-22, which is set during WWII in Italy.  In this story, “Catch-22” is a military bureaucratic rule invoked in several places, and is more or less a catch-all rule to justify anything. This sounds typical of the federal government.

This term is introduced by the character Doc Daneeka, an army psychiatrist who invokes “Catch-22” to explain why any pilot requesting mental evaluation for insanity, hoping to be found not sane enough to fly, and thereby escape dangerous missions.  This request demonstrated his own sanity in making the request and thus cannot be declared as insane.

In his book, Heller tells the story of Captain John Yossarian, an Air Force flier in Europe in the closing months of World War II.  Yossarian is angry because so many people he never met were trying to kill him.  He has to fly day after day to drop bombs on the Nazis who are trying to shoot down his airplane.  His commander keeps raising the number of times his men must fly before they can go home.

Yossarian searches for a way to stop flying.  He finds an Air Force rule that says a soldier can be removed from flight duty if he is found insane.  He decides that any soldier is insane if he is willing to put his life in danger by continuing to make dangerous flights.

He thinks he has found a way to save his life.  But he learns there is a “catch” – a tricky condition – to that rule.  Anyone who wants to get out of combat duty isn’t really crazy, he is told.  Enter the “Catch-22” rule which states a concern for one’s own safety in the face of dangers that were real and immediate was the process of a rational mind.

If Yossarian was crazy he could be grounded.  All he had to do was ask; and as soon as he did, he would no longer be crazy and would have to fly more missions.  He would be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didn’t, but if he was sane, he had to fly them.  If he flew them, he was crazy and didn’t have to. But, if he didn’t want to he was sane and had to.

So, the term “Catch-22” is applied to various loopholes and quirks of the military system, always with the implication that rules are inaccessible to and slanted against those lower in the hierarchy.  Therefore, Catch-22 ensures that no pilot can ever be grounded for being insane even if he is.

The philosopher Laurence Goldstein argues that the airman’s dilemma is logically not even a condition that is true under no circumstances.  It is a “vacuous bi-conditional” that is ultimately meaningless.

The term “catch-22” has filtered into common usage in the English language.  In a 1975 interview, Heller said the term would not translate well into other languages.  James E. Combs and Dan D. Nimmo suggest that the idea of a “catch-22” has gained popular currency because so many people in modern society are exposed to frustrating bureaucratic logic. Have you been one of those people?  I have, and the logic itself is insane.

Please visit our district web page for other details on our school and activities: www.tenahaisd.com (The calendar provides the most up to date events)

Tenaha ISD also has a facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Tenaha-Independent-School-District-486433751368156/

*****************Summer School Starts 8 am – 3:30 pm

*****************Summer Lunch Program Starts 7:30 am/11:30 am

June 10, 2021- Businessmen’s Meeting

June 14, 2021-School Board Goal Setting Work Shop

June 20, 2021-Fathers Day

June 21, 2021-Called Board Hearing to Review Federal Programs 5:00 pm; Called Board Hearing 5:15 pm; Regular Board Meeting 5:30 pm

July 4, 2021-Fireworks Display at the Raymond Jackson Stadium 7:00 pm

A Dallas man has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Charles Jerome Bowman, 54, pleaded guilty on Dec. 1, 2020, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan.

“Keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous criminals is essential to protecting our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.  “Today’s sentencing sends a strong message that the possession of firearms by convicted felons will be aggressively prosecuted.”

According to information presented in court, on March 24, 2019, a deputy with the Cooke County Sheriff's Office responded to a call regarding a reckless driver on Interstate 35. The deputy stopped the reported vehicle and identified the driver as Bowman. The deputy requested that Bowman exit the vehicle to issue a warning for defective equipment and because Bowman was showing signs of intoxication.  Bowman refused to comply and became combative.  He was wearing a holster containing a Phoenix Arms .25 caliber pistol.  Bowman was subsequently arrested and transported to the Cooke County Jail. Upon arrival at the jail, Bowman threated to kill two of the officers.  A criminal history check revealed that Bowman had numerous prior felony convictions, including robbery, aggravated assault, and aggravated robbery.  Bowman was indicted by a federal grand jury on Oct. 9, 2019. 

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Cooke County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.

PLANO, Texas – A Guatemalan man was sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei today.

Jose Ramon Reyes Villagran, 37, pleaded guilty on Sep. 1, 2020, to conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States and manufacturing, distributing, and importing cocaine into the United States and was sentenced to 292 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan.

“Despite the sophisticated network of land, sea, and air smuggling routes, it wasn’t enough to conceal the criminal activities of Mr. Villagran and his associates from American investigators and our overseas law enforcement allies,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.  “The long arm of the American justice system extends even overseas, and brings international drug traffickers and their conspirators to our shores to face justice in American courts.”

According to information presented in court, Villagran, a resident and national of Guatemala, was

a member of a drug trafficking organization responsible for multi-ton cocaine shipments which originated from Columbia.  The drugs were then shipped to Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico for further distribution to the United States.  Airplanes, go-fast boats, semi-tractor trailer trucks, and passenger vehicles were used to transport most of the cocaine shipments.  Villagran was involved with coordinating airplanes used to transport cocaine shipments departing from Colombia and Venezuela to arrive at his clandestine landing strips in Guatemala.  Thereafter, he distributed the bulk cocaine to his customers in Guatemala and Mexico.  A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Villagran with federal drug trafficking violations on August 8, 2018.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Bloss.

Tenaha Business Men's Club meeting Thursday June 10, 2021 at 11:30 am at the City Hall.  Ribbon Cutting shortly after at King's Nursery. 

TCCA Harvest for Homes will have a Produce Drop on Wednesday June 9 @ 8:30am 

 Old Sombero's Parking Lot.

For more information call 936-332-2656

Public Notice of Called Board Meeting: Goal Workshop The Board of Trustees Tenaha ISD 

A Called Board Meeting: Goal Workshop of the Board of Trustees of Tenaha ISD will be held June 14, 2021, beginning at 5:30 PM in the Boardroom of the Administration Office 138 College Street, Tenaha, Texas 75974 

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---Welcome 

2. Public Comment 

3. Reports from Administrators 4. District Employees and Officers, Texas Government Code Section 551.074 and Real Property 

Texas Code Section 552.72 5. Board of Trustee Goal Workshop 6. Comments by Board Members 7. 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)] The notice for this meeting was posted in compliance with the Texas Open Meeting Act 

@ 1:15 pm 

nuda hacoly 

Linda Jacobs, Superintendent

Jasper’s Independence Day Celebration will be held Saturday, July 3rd at Sandy Creek Park on Marvin Hancock Drive starting at 5:00 p.m.

Lots of food and fun for the entire family.  The band, “Still Cruisin” from the Golden Triangle area will perform at 6:00 p.m. with blues, zydeco, country, and rock. The festival will provide free Balloon animals by Bodacious Balloon Art, face painting by Jean Humphrey and her art students at the East Texas Art League, a watermelon eating contest sponsored by Rene Kelly Ellis, Jasper County Treasurer and will provide trophies to the winners and the infamous KJAS Hula Hoop contest for age categories: 4-5, 6 -7, 8-9, 10-12, and a special contest for ages  13 and up with winners receiving 1st and 2nd place trophies and participation ribbons,  a free obstacle course and water slide for the kids, so bring their bathing suits or clothes to get wet. Heroes and Patriots will be on location selling military memorabilia and lighted toys. The American Legion Post 78 will be on location passing out literature and also military memorabilia.

The event will have lots of festival foods so come hungry:  Rudy’s Pork-a-bobs, Mobil Food Concession- fresh squeezed lemonade, Francisco Castillo- tacos, tortes and quesadillas, Here’s the Scoop Dippin’ Dots Ice-cream, Southern Comfort Catering – hamburgers, sausage on a stick, etc., and more, Connie Gordan – funnel cakes, and shrimp on a stick, Vasquez honey and more!

Special guest, DeWayne Freese from Hillcrest Baptist Church will lead the crowd in prayer at 9:25 p.m., Sound Tech Productions from Dallas will provide audio, and Craig George, Pyro-man from Campti, Louisiana will shoot the spectacular fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. 

Marvin Hancock Drive will be closed at 3:00 p.m. for traffic until after the fireworks show for food vendors and pedestrians coming to the event. The new park expansion will be open for public parking with entrance on the north side of Marvin Hancock Drive. The City of Jasper’s handicap cart and trollies will run from 5:00 p.m. from the entrance on Houston Street down to the park entrance for people that want to ride and pick up folks after the show.

Stay hydrated, watch out for our children, use plenty of sunscreen and bring a lawn chairs/ blankets to watch the show.

AUSTIN – During June, which is Texas Veterans Suicide Prevention and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, Texas HHS is encouraging military veterans to access the resources available to them for suicide prevention and PTSD.

“When a veteran is battling PTSD, not only does it have an impact on them, it affects their families, friends, and communities. Reaching out for help is the first step toward getting support for them and preventing suicide,” said Sonja Gaines, HHS deputy executive commissioner for Intellectual and Developmental Disability and Behavioral Health Services. “We connect veterans to mental health care and other invaluable services that can support them.”

According to the most recent data by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), at least 511 veterans in Texas died by suicide in 2018. That suicide rate is almost double the suicide rate of non-veterans in the state. The VA attributes some of those deaths to the military-related trauma that affects 11 to 30 percent of veterans

Texas veterans in crisis can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255 and press 1, text to 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.  

“It’s important that we know the signs of mental health issues in our friends, family members and others. Also important is helping them to create a safe environment. With education and awareness, we can assist those suffering from mental health issues, help prevent self-destructive behaviors and increase well-being for them and those around them,” said Dr. Blake Harris, Ph.D., director, Veterans Mental Health Department, Texas Veterans Commission.

HHSC administers the Mental Health Program for Veterans, in partnership with the Texas Veterans Commission. The program funds peer-to-peer counseling for veterans and their families through local mental health authorities and local behavioral health authorities.   

HHSC also funds and administers the TexVet initiative which includes a website hosted by the Texas A&M Health Science Center. The website helps veterans navigate through resources available in their communities including mental health care providers, social groups, job placement programs, and legal assistance. Veterans can also find additional resources by visiting MentalHealthtx.org/veterans.

About Texas Veteran Suicide and PTSD Awareness Month
During the 86th Legislature, Texas lawmakers and Gov. Greg Abbott designated June as Veteran Suicide and PTSD Awareness Month for a 10-year period beginning in 2019. The awareness month encourages agencies, organizations, and other entities to work together to expand treatment and prevention services for veterans and their families.

-30-

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — For the past nine months, an SFA biology student has ignored unforeseen weather extremes and other hurdles to wade into the waters of Banita and Lanana creeks in search of a threatened fish – the Sabine shiner. The Southwestern Association of Naturalists recently recognized his efforts with the Student Field Natural History Award.

Zachary Hutchens, a senior from Nacogdoches, is conducting research to assess the status and habitat conditions of local populations of Sabine shiner in the Lanana Creek watershed.

“In winter and summer sampling trips, we face extreme conditions, such as freezing and scorching temperatures,” Hutchens said. “Regardless of the weather, we maintain a consistent sampling schedule in order to standardize our data collection.”

The Sabine shiner is a small fish found in clear, shallow streams and is currently classified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Texas, necessitating a need for tracking its geographic distribution in East Texas waterways.

Using a seine, Hutchens and his faculty mentor, Dr. Carmen Montaña, assistant professor in the Department of Biology, collect the fish and mark them with visual implant elastomer tags to study their movements in the creeks.

“It is a species lacking research into their movement patterns,” Hutchens said. “My project has shown that there is an isolated population of the Sabine shiner in Banita Creek, and it does not move very far from the tagging location.”

Because the last study on the fish was conducted 20 years ago, Hutchens’ research will provide a much-needed update.

“That study reported a much higher abundance and stable populations of Sabine shiner compared to what we are finding today,” he said. “This presented a great opportunity to investigate exactly how much this population has changed and search for reasons as to why.”

Once collected, results from Hutchens’ study will be compared to the previous study.

“As a faculty member and a mentor, I am proud of our students,” Montaña said. “They work very hard in the field and lab settings to product quality scientific data and increase their involvement with scientific research.”

Hutchens recently presented his research to judges, students and other scientists at the 68th annual meeting of the Southwestern Association of Naturalists where he was recognized for his outstanding oral presentation and the strong field component in his research.

“This conference gave students a platform to present their research to a diverse group of scientists and graduate and undergraduate students working in the fields of ecology and conservation,” Montaña said. “Their participation in this meeting allowed our students to grow as scientists.”

To learn more about the Department of Biology, visit sfasu.edu/biology.

 COMMISSIONERS’ COURT                                                                                                                                            REGULAR MEETING                                                                                                                                                             SHELBY COUNTY, TEXAS

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 June, 2021 at 1:00 p.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 the minutes of the May 5, 2021 Special meeting, May 12, 2021 Regular meeting, May 19, 2021 Special meeting May 26, 2021 Special meeting, of the Shelby County Commissioner’s Court.

2. Approve and pay weekly expenses.

3. Approve current payroll.

4. Approve Officers Reports.

5. Public comments on Agenda item.

6. Open sealed bids for bids on 2007 Volvo Road Grater Model G930 for Commissioner Pct. 2.

7. Take action on approving the Texas Association of Counties group health insurance plan for the 2022 plan year.

8. Adjourn.

JOAQUIN HIGH  SCHOOL 

WHEN  

August 3rd & 4th  

9AM-11AM & 1PM-3PM  

WHERE  

Joaquin High/ JR High School  Office  

CHROMEBOOKS will be issued on date of registration  as long as students have:  

*  returned missing items 

*  paid for missing items or fees for damages 

New Student registration will take place on designated  Days/times. The following items are needed:  

Birth Certificate, Social Security Card, Shot Record,  Parent ID and Proof of Residency  

WWW.JOAQUINISD.NET  

BACK TO SCHOOL  REGISTRATION  

JUNIOR HIGH  REGISTRATION  August 3, 2021  

9:00 AM-11:00 AM  

JUNIOR/SENIOR  REGISTRATION  August 3, 2021  

1:00 PM-3:00 PM  

SOPHOMORE  

REGISTRATION  August 4, 2021  

9:00 AM-11:00 AM  

FRESHMAN  

REGISTRATION  August 4, 2021  

1:00 PM-3:00 PM

After the 21-day lone finalist’s waiting period for the superintendent’s position at Tenaha ISD, the Board of Trustees met on Thursday, May 27, 2021, in a called board meeting to approve Linda Gail Jacobs as the Superintendent of Tenaha Schools. Ms. Jacobs is replacing Mr. Scott Tyner who relocated closer to his family home in Edgewood, Texas.

Ms. Jacobs has deep roots in this area having graduated from Shelbyville High School, Panola College, and Stephen F. Austin State University twice with bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She has devoted 27 years to education, having served as principal at Tenaha ISD since 2015. Ms. Jacobs began her career in 1990 as a teacher for the Shelby County Special Education Co-Op then spent six years teaching in Center before moving into the administrative role of Special Education Director at Broaddus ISD and then elementary principal for the district. From there, she served as principal in Joaquin ISD and San Augustine ISD before coming to Tenaha. Ms. Jacobs' administration experience covers all levels, EE-12. 

Ms. Jacobs says that her hobbies call her “Gigi.” Her time outside of school is filled with family. Her son Zack and his wife Tiffany have two sons who are students in Tenaha Elementary School. Zack attended Panola College and is employed in the oilfield. Her daughter Marcie has three daughters; she has a master’s degree in accounting and works from home with a New York accounting firm. Ms. Jacobs’ spare time is spent with her five precious grandchildren: Tuff, Khoen, Addie Gaye, Audri and Lucchese.

Linda Jacobs’ records of compassion, consistency and insight have been an important part of the success our school has experienced the past six years. Tenaha ISD is very fortunate to have Ms. Jacobs continue the Tenaha Tradition, and we look forward to the many great things that are in store for our community under her leadership.

June is Hunger Awareness Month in Shelby County.  Statistics show that 1 out of 3 children in our county battle with food insecurity, which means that they do not know where their next meal will come from.  Shelby County Outreach Ministries strives to feed the hungry and assist the needy.  We have 4 programs that serve our community.  In honor of Hunger Awareness Month, these are some of the ways you can make a difference: Canned food donations, nonperishable food items, and monetary donations.  Shelby County Outreach Ministries invites you to come by and learn about our different programs.  Donations can be sent to P.O. 1029 Center, TX 75935.  For more information, please call us at 936-598-4990.  

NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE

 GOVERNING BODY OF THE 

CITY OF TENAHA

The Tenaha City Council will meet in a Special Called City Council Meeting on Tuesday June 8, 2021, at 5:30 pm, Tenaha, Texas. 

The following items are on the agenda for appropriate action:

1.    Call to Order:

2.    Roll Call: To establish a quorum. 

3.    Invocation:

4.    Pledge: United States Pledge

5.    Citizens Input: This time is provided for members of the public to address the City Council on items that appear within the Consent and Action Items, or a matter not listed on the agenda.  Each speaker is limited to 3 minutes.  A Citizens Input Form may be filled out and filed with the City Secretary prior to the meeting.  

6.     Executive Session:

Consider entering executive session personnel matters with possible action related thereto upon reconvening in open session in accordance with Government Code Section 551.074.  (Chief of Police Position) 

End of Executive Session

Reconvene into open session and take any action necessary because of the Executive Session.

7.    Council Report(s): Reports by the members of the City Council on matters not on the agenda will be made at this time.  

8.     Adjourn.

The Council reserves the right to retire into executive session concerning any of the items listed on this agenda whenever it is considered necessary and is legally justified under the Open Meetings Act. 

The agenda is posted as required under Government Code Section 551.041. For more information or for a copy of the open meetings act, please contact the Attorney General of Texas at 1-800-252-8011 or the City Secretary at 936-248-3841.

On May 28, several members of Center Garden Club met with Mayor David Chadwick as he signed a proclamation designating June the 5th-12th, 2021, as National Garden Week. Both Center Garden Club (in affiliation with the National Garden Club) and the City of Center salute all gardeners for it is “gardeners “(in the broadest sense of the word)) who provide our world with food, medicines, building materials, habitats for wildlife, shade,  oxygen, clean air and water, recreation, and, of course, beauty and joy.  
We are grateful for our gardeners who are among the earth’s  greatest stewards.
 

Pictured with Mayor Chadwick (center) are CGC members ….Front:  Cherry Jones, Mayor David Chadwick, and Carolyn Bounds

Back:  Cathy Williams, Janette Wittmann, Carole Chance, Robbie Kerr, Lisa Albers, and Casey Foley

Questions?  Carolyn@Bounds.com

On June 6, 1944, 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France. General Dwight D. Eisenhower called the operation a crusade in which “we will accept nothing less than full victory.” More than 5,000 Ships and 13,000 aircraft supported the D-Day invasion, and by day’s end on June 6, the Allies gained a foothold in Normandy. The D-Day cost was high - more than 9,000 Allied Soldiers were killed or wounded - but more than 100,000 Soldiers began the march across Europe to defeat Hitler.

Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Auxiliary will lay a Memorial Wreath in remembrance of the 77th Anniversary of D-Day on Friday, June 4^th, 2019 at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the 1885 Historic Shelby County Courthouse in Center.  The program will begin at 11 am and as always, the public is cordially invited to attend and remember their fellow Americans.

More information contact Post Quartermaster Larry Hume, 936-332-0349 or chiefhume95@gmail.com.

Texas Essential Healthcare Partnerships (TEHP) today released a statement following the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) hearing on the Extension Application for the 1115 Transformation Waiver. Texas asked the federal government to renew the waiver in late 2020, and the federal government granted that renewal for 10 years on January 15, 2021. Citing a lack of public comment, the new administration rescinded that extension in April. TEHP President, Don Lee, released the following statement:

“It is time for all parties to come together and focus on patients and what is best for Texas. That is exactly what HHSC is seeking to accomplish today as they rectify administrative errors in the 1115 extension application by soliciting public comment, and TEHP applauds them for this effort.

“TEHP also calls on the state and federal government to work together to enroll more Texans in comprehensive health coverage and reduce the number of uninsured, and this waiver will help achieve that. Texas should be willing to negotiate certain aspects of the waiver, such as the 10-year term and maintaining the budget neutrality calculation. In return, the federal government should grant the extension and provide robust funding for the uncompensated care pool to ensure the nearly 4 million Texans who rely on this are covered.”

Big Fish Bay VBS

Location: Friendship Baptist Church in Joaquin, Tx

Website:

Posted by: Ada Lowe
Email: atlowe06@gmail.com
Phone: 9365915756

Start Date: 06-14-2021
Start Time: 6:00 PM

End Date: 06-18-2021
End Time: 8:00 PM

Repeat: Yearly on 06 14

Details:

Big Fish Bay VBS-"Getting Hooked on God's Mercy!"Crafts, snacks, lessons, games, songs, and more!Ages 4 years through 8th gradeCheck out the Facebook event: Big Fish Bay VBS at Friendship Baptist Church for easy registration and more information.Contact Sarah Madden (903) 754-4418, or Ada Lowe (936)591-5756 for more information.

A Hearing to Discuss Federal Programs of the Board of Trustees of Tenaha ISD will be held June 21, 2021, beginning at 5:00 PM in the Boardroom of the Administration Office 138 College Street, Tenaha, Texas 75974 

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---Welcome 

2. Public Invitation and Comments 

3. Discussion of Federal Programs to include Title 1, Title 2,Title 3. Title 4, IDEA B, IDEA B PRESCHOOL, SRSA, PERKINS, HOMELESS, ESSER, and SAFETY AND SECURITY 

4. Discuss of the Federal Program ESSER III 

5. Comments by Board Members 6. 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)] The notice for this meeting was posted in compliance with the Texas Open Meeting Act on: 6/1/2021 @ 2:20 pm 

It's Battle of the Badges, a Community wide Blood Drive - Center Police Department vs Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, on Friday, July 16, 2021 from 10am until 4pm at the Center Community House. Come save lives and support your local Law Enforcement!

The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will be set up inside the Center Community House and will be set for regular whole blood or Automation (plasma, platelets).

Every successful donor will receive a T-shirt/Beach Towel. Every attempted donor will be entered into a raffle for cool door prizes!

In addition to the Blood Drive, there will be Food Trucks: Casa Del Bayou, Be Blessed BBQ, and Mama Rose Italian Ice set up outside. Even if you cannot donate, come by and show us your support, and fill your bellies.

To schedule a donation time, please go to www.giveblood.org or contact Amy Lindley 598-2450 (Center Police Dept) or Leah Chase 598-5600 (Shelby County SO).

The Center Community House is located at 425 San Augustine Street, Center, Texas.

https://www.commitforlife.org/.../drive_schedule/334453

Small Business Administration Administrator Isabella Guzman approved a disaster declaration for damages resulting from severe storms and tornadoes, which occurred March 27, 2021 in Panola County. This makes SBA programs available in Panola County and all contiguous counties.

SBA offers low interest, long term loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters who need help to recover from the storms. We can lend up to $200,000 to homeowners to make repairs to their primary residences and up to $40,000 to help homeowners and renters replace their personal property in Harrison, Panola, Rusk and Shelby counties in Texas; and Caddo and DeSoto counties in Louisiana.

SBA offers up to $2 million to businesses and private non-profits for both physical and economic injury to businesses to help them recover. A business may not have had physical damage, but suffered economic losses in the days after the storms. For this reason, we offer Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) in Panola and the surrounding counties.

The application deadline for property damage is July 26, 2021. The deadline for businesses who suffered economic damage to return economic injury applications is Feb. 28, 2022.

Residents and businesses should first file their insurance claims. They should not wait for their insurance to settle before applying for SBA assistance.

In consideration of the public health concerns due to the Coronavirus pandemic, on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, SBA established a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) to help businesses, homeowners and renters.  Customer Service Representatives will be available to business owners and individuals to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each person complete their electronic loan applications.

Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center

Monday – Friday

8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EDT

FOCWAssistance@sba.gov

(800) 659-2955

Attached are digital copies of information you might find helpful. Please feel free to copy and distribute as you see fit. Please call me if you would like to schedule an interview or if you have any further questions about SBA disaster assistance. The best way to reach me is on my cell, (916) 200-6227 or by email, cynthia.cowell@sba.gov.

45th East Texas Poultry Festival 

Creative Arts Show Committee is looking for participants

1. Plans for the 45th Annual East Texas Poultry Festival, presented by Farmers State Bank, are well underway.  This year’s Festival will be October 7th, 8th and 9th.   Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your creative side in art, quilting, canning, crafts, woodworking, metal art and photography.

 All creative art divisions and are open to Youth (6th through 12th grades) and Adults (17 and older).  The art division will also be open to Elementary (K – through 5th).

Start taking photos, quilting quilts, canning your spring and summer harvest and creating art for these events.  We want to showcase and recognize ALL our local talent.

Please visit the Chamber website www.shelbycountychamber.com for a complete list of the rules for each event along with entry forms that need to accompanied with your entry.  Or contact the Chamber at 936-598-3682 or email at info@shelbycountychamber.com.