The Upshur Advocate

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Upshur Fire Departments To Receive Forest Service Payments

Texas Forest Service to send checks to fire departments that helped fight 2005-2006 wildfires.

According to a press release from the TFS, several Upshur county fire departments will receive checks for expenses they incurred assisting the service battle the wildfires of 2005-06.

Excerpt of the release:

Dec. 23, 2008 --COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Texas Forest Service is delivering a little holiday cheer to more than 900 Texas fire departments. Through a legislative grant, TFS is distributing $5.7 million to departments that helped fight wildfires during the 2005-06 wildfire season.

House Bill 15 of the 80th Texas Legislature provided funds to help pay for the cost of fighting wildfires statewide between Dec. 1, 2005, and Sept. 18, 2006. A portion of these funds were designated to help local fire departments recover some of the expenses incurred during that time period.

Upshur county fire departments receiving money include:

* Bettie VFD
* City of Big Sandy VFD
* Gilmer Fire Department
* Harmony VFD
* Ore City VFD
* Pleasant Grove VFD
* East Mountain VFD
* Ewell VFD

A listing of all departments receiving payments can be found at http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/main/article.aspx?id=6366

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Ore City, New Diana School Busses Will Get Emisions Retrofits

ISD's will receive grants to install equipment that will reduce emissions from school bus diesel engines.

Students riding New Diana or Ore City buses will soon get a bit of fresh(er) air. Both ISD's have asked for, and will receive money to retrofit school buses from the Texas Clean School Bus Program.

The program, offered by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality, is aimed at improving student and bus driver health by reducing the amount of pollutants they breath in while boarding and riding the bus.

According to information provided by the TCEQ, diesel exhaust contains small particles, known as fine particulate matter (PM). PM can easily pass through the nose and throat, penetrate deep into the lungs and pose serious health risks, including aggravated asthma and allergies. Some studies suggest that long-term exposure can increase the risk of lung cancer.

The information also says that children may be more susceptible to this pollution because they breathe more air per pound of body weight when compared to adults. In addition, as children’s respiratory systems are still developing, they are more susceptible than adults to environmental pollution.

To counter the risks, the grant money is to be used for the installation of any combination of the following devices:

* Diesel Particulate Filters - devices that collect particulate matter in the exhaust stream. Used with the correct fuel, these filters can reduce organic compounds, and carbon monoxide in the exhaust gases by 60 to 90 percent.

* Closed Crankcase Filtration Systems - devices that allow a diesel engine’s crankcase to be closed and use an air filter to trap oil droplets, carbon, traces of wear debris, and particles that are smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter. Blow-by gas emissions can be as much as 25 percent of the total emissions from a diesel engine. These systems may be more effective at reducing children’s in-cabin exposures to pollutants than control systems fitted into the exhaust systems alone.

* Diesel Oxidation Catalysts - devices that use a chemical process to break down pollutants in the exhaust stream into less harmful components. Diesel oxidation catalysts can reduce emissions of particulates by 20 to 40 percent, hydrocarbons by 50 percent and carbon monoxide by 40 percent.

* Partial Flow-Through Filters - tailpipe filters that can lower diesel particulate matter emissions by 70 to 75 percent. These can also reduce total vehicle emissions by up to 80 percent when paired with a closed crankcase filtration system.

The program does place limits on funding, based on the devices the ISD elects to install, and how many buses will be retrofitted. Closed crankcase filtration systems may receive up to $800, diesel oxidation catalysts up to $1,500, partial flow-through filters up to $6,000, and diesel particulate filters up to $8,250. These caps are per device and include installation costs.

Monday, December 29, 2008

FDA Warns Consumers About Tainted Weight Loss Pills

Agency seeks recall of products that pose serious health risks

PRESS RELEASE, Dec. 22, 2008 -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting consumers nationwide not to purchase or consume more than 25 different products marketed for weight loss because they contain undeclared, active pharmaceutical ingredients that may put consumers’ health at risk.

The tainted weight loss products are:

Fatloss Slimming
2 Day Diet
3x Slimming Power
Japan Lingzhi 24 Hours Diet
5x Imelda Perfect Slimming
3 Day Diet
7 Day Herbal Slim
8 Factor Diet
7 Diet Day/Night Formula
999 Fitness Essence
Extrim Plus
GMP
Imelda Perfect Slim
Lida DaiDaihua
Miaozi Slim Capsules
Perfect Slim
Perfect Slim 5x
Phyto Shape
ProSlim Plus
Royal Slimming Formula
Slim 3 in 1
Slim Express 360
Slimtech
Somotrim
Superslim
TripleSlim
Zhen de Shou
Venom Hyperdrive 3.0

An FDA analysis found that the undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients in some of these products include sibutramine (a controlled substance), rimonabant (a drug not approved for marketing in the United States), phenytoin (an anti-seizure medication), and phenolphthalein (a solution used in chemical experiments and a suspected cancer causing agent). Some of the amounts of active pharmaceutical ingredients far exceeded the FDA-recommended levels, putting consumers' health at risk.

These weight loss products, some of which are marketed as “dietary supplements,” are promoted and sold on various Web sites and in some retail stores. Some of the products claim to be “natural” or to contain only “herbal” ingredients, but actually contain potentially harmful ingredients not listed on the product labels or in promotional advertisements. These products have not been approved by the FDA, are illegal and may be potentially harmful to unsuspecting consumers.

The FDA advises consumers who have used any of these products to stop taking them and consult their healthcare professional immediately. The FDA encourages consumers to seek guidance from a healthcare professional before purchasing weight loss products.

“These tainted weight loss products pose a great risk to public health because they contain undeclared ingredients and, in some cases, contain prescription drugs in amounts that greatly exceed their maximum recommended dosages,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, FDA. “Consumers have no way of knowing that these products contain powerful drugs that could cause serious health consequences. Therefore FDA is taking this action to protect the health of the American public.”

The FDA has inspected a number of companies associated with the sale of these illegal products, and is currently seeking product recalls. Based on the FDA’s inspections and the companies’ inadequate responses to recall requests, the FDA may take additional enforcement steps, such as issuing warning letters or initiating seizures, injunctions, or criminal charges.

The health risks posed by these products can be serious; for example, sibutramine, which was found in many of the products, can cause high blood pressure, seizures, tachycardia, palpitations, heart attack or stroke. This drug can also interact with other medications that patients may be taking and increase their risk of adverse drug events. The safety of sibutramine has also not been established in pregnant and lactating women, or in children younger than 16 years of age.

Rimonabant, another ingredient found in these products, was evaluated, but not approved by the FDA for marketing in the United States. The drug, which is approved in Europe, has been associated with increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts and has been linked to five deaths and 720 adverse reactions in Europe over the last two years.

Health care professionals and consumers should report serious adverse events (side effects) or product quality problems to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail, fax or phone.

* Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
* Regular Mail: use postage-paid FDA form 3500 available at: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm and mail to MedWatch, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787
* Fax: (800) FDA-0178
* Phone: (800) FDA-1088

Information for consumers can be found at:
http://www.fda.gov/cder/consumerinfo/weight_loss_products.htm

Saturday, December 27, 2008

DPS Targets Drunk Drivers Over The Holidays

DPS troopers will increase patrols during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays in an effort to make holiday travel safer on Texas roads.

PRESS RELEASE, Dec. 22, 2008 -- DPS troopers will increase patrols during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays in an effort to make holiday travel safer on Texas roads.

Of special concern, is drinking and driving during the holidays. Troopers also will focus on speeders and seat belt violators. All available troopers will be on patrol from Wednesday, December 24 through Sunday, December 28, and again on Wednesday, December 31 and Thursday, January 1.

During the Christmas and New Year’s holidays last year, DPS troopers issued a total of 28,000 citations and 14,000 warnings, including 919 DWI arrests, 19,612 speeding tickets and 3,379 safety restraint violations. DPS statistics suggest tickets and drunken driving arrests by troopers double during holiday enforcement periods.

“The best present you can give to yourself and your loved ones is to make sure you arrive safely at your holiday destination—most traffic deaths are preventable,” said interim DPS Director Stanley E. Clark. “We feel our efforts, in conjunction with increased enforcement from other agencies, will make the holidays just a little bit safer. DPS prefers voluntary compliance, but we write citations and arrest drunk drivers to save lives.”

DPS offers the following advice as gifts to the traveling public:
* Drive with courtesy; it’s contagious. Remember, it’s the holidays!!!
* Slow down—especially in bad weather, construction areas and heavy traffic.
* Don’t drink and drive; get a designated driver.
* Buckle up everyone in the vehicle.
* Keep cell phone chatter to a minimum, and avoid texting.
* Avoid drowsy driving.
* Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Amber Alert Update - Erika Camacho Found

Erika Camacho has been found and returned. Her boyfriend remains wanted and at large.

See the full BeyondMissing update.

Upshur And Local ISD's Not As Transparent As They Could Be

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs takes the measure of online financial reporting by counties, and finds Upshur to be one among many counties not posting all of it's records on the web.

Texas counties are not legally required to post financial records online. Under the "Open Records" law, county financial information is available to the public, in paper form, upon request. Some counties go a step further though, and post the information online, making the information far easier for the public to access.

That open approach is known as transparency, and it makes it easy for citizens to examine documents, question decisions, root out inefficiencies and hold officials accountable for the way tax dollars are spent.

Texas Transparency Check-up is a website launched by the Comptroller earlier this year to gauge just how open and user friendly each county in Texas is.

The site looks online for a county's budget, financial report and check register.

According to the site, 109 counties currently post no records online, and only 3, (Collin, Grayson and Tarrant) post all three record sets. Upshur posts it's budgets and financial reports, joining the majority of counties that post some records, but not check registries.

Another website, Texas Budget Source, tracks the financial postings of the state's Independent School Districts. Like counties, online posting is not a legal requirement for school districts.

While fairly comprehensive, the site is in error in several regards:

It reports in error that Harmony does not post it's check registries.
It reports in error that Union Grove does not post check registries. The ISD posts budgets, financial reports and check registries in it's "Board Book" Agenda Packets.

A search of that site for Upshur County ISD's reveals that our local school districts can, for the most part, be judged fairly transparent.

Union Grove ISD leads the pack, posting all three record sets. Ore City and Harmony follow by posting their budget and monthly check registers.

Union Hill post only it's budget. New Diana has a budget site, but the posting is outdated.

No financial records could be found on either Gilmer or Big Sandy's website.

Upshur ISD Web Presence And Financial Postings
ISD Name	Website	Budgets	Financial Reports	Check Registeries
Ore City	Website	Budget		Registry
Harmony	Website	Budget		Registry
New Diana	Website	Budget
Union Grove	Website	Budget	Report	Registry
Union Hill	Website	Budget
Big Sandy	Website
Gilmer	Website

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Amber Alert - Erica Camacho

An Amber Alert was issued today for Erika Camacho, a Hispanic female teenager reportedly abducted in Selma, TX by her boyfriend, Ricardo Mora.

Photo's of the girl or her boyfriend were not immediately available, but descriptions of both are posted in this article, as well as the Beyond Missing website.

MISSING
Name: Erika Camacho
Last Seen: December 24, 2008 - 7:25 PM
Last Location: Selma, Bexar County, TX
Date of birth: August 13, 1993
Height: 5' 3"
Hair Color: Brown
Weight: 100 lbs.
Eye Color: Brown
Gender: Female
Race: Hispanic

victim last seen wearing a white t-shirt denim capri pants and flip flop sandals victim has a slender build and has a light skin complexion. was abducted forcibly by boyfriend

SUSPECT
Ricardo Alvarado Mora
White Male
DOB: 02/24/85
Hair: black
Eyes: Brown
Height: 5'-4"
Weight: 140#
Mole above left eyebrow
Last seen wearing blue sweatshirt and blue jeans and tennis shoes
Was seen in a blue 2000 Chevy Silverado 1500 extended cab pickup
Tx Lic Plates 89LPF4
veh has been located and is now in police custody

If you have any information on this child contact:
Agency: selma police department
24 Hr. Phone # : (210) 653-0033
24 Hr. FAX # :(210) 657-7449
Alternate Phone # : (210) 651-5368
City / State: Selma, TX
Zip Code: 78154
Email: kosborn@ci.selma.tx.us Emergency # : 911

New Diana Ex-Coach Released On Bond

John Tiger, arrested Oct. 25th for Online Solicitation of a Minor Under 14, was released on bond Monday.

Upshur Sheriff's Department jail and bond records indicate Aba Bail Bonds of Gilmer posted the $100,000 bond on Tigers behalf.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

White Oak Energy Upgrades Aimed At Efficiency And Comfort

Battling failing heating and cooling equipment, and faced with a lack of funding for repairs, the White Oak ISD entered into a contract finance agreement that uses future energy savings to pay for efficiency upgrades.

White Oak will spend more than $1.8 million dollars replacing and upgrading boilers, chillers and ventilation fans in nine district buildings totaling over 410,000 square feet. They will also update classroom and gym lighting. The whole system will be controlled and monitored by an energy management system to ensure comfort and efficiency.

Rather than entering into loans or issuing bonds, the ISD will pay for the upgrades from the energy savings they generate.

Known as Energy Performance Contracting, the deal works like this: The ISD entered into an agreement with a private energy service company (ESCO). The ESCO evaluate energy-saving opportunities and then recommend a package of improvements to be paid for through energy savings.

The ESCO guarantees that savings will meet or exceed annual payments on the upgrades, usually over a 7 - 10 year term. If the projected savings aren't realized, the ESCO pays the difference, not the ISD.

The upgrades at the district include a mixed bag of energy saving improvements. Two new boilers, and two new chillers will be installed, along with eight new circulating pumps.

Contractors will retrofit 10 existing air-handlers, and install CO2 and humidity sensors to automatically adjust building ventilation. New high efficiency lighting fixtures will be installed in classrooms and gyms, lowering utility costs and improving visibility.

Texas State Energy Conservation Office list the following Performance Contracting guidelines on it's website:

Energy Performance Contracting is a construction method that allows a facility to complete energy-saving improvements within an existing budget by financing them with money saved through reduced utility expenditures. Facilities make no up-front investments and instead finance projects through guaranteed annual energy savings.

To enter into a guaranteed energy savings performance contract (ESPC), a state agency must notify SECO of their intent, issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), and select a performance contractor, usually an energy service company (ESCO). After identifying eligible projects, the contractor designs and installs the needed improvements. The agency pays for the financed project out of savings realized by the improvements. By law, the contractor must guarantee that the savings will always be at least equal to the payments for the cost of the improvements. Current Texas law also enables institutions of higher education, state agencies, public school districts, and local governments to enter into energy service performance contracts (ESPC).

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Sheriff's Dept. Report 12-15-08 to 12-21-08

Sheriff Anthony Betterton reports that 177 calls for service were reported to the UPSHUR COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE between the dates of 12-15-08 and 12-21-08

Sheriff Betterton also reports that 48 people were booked into the Upshur County Jail on a variety of charges which include Driving while license suspended, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Child Support, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Parole Violation, Evading Arrest, DWI, Permitting Unlicensed person to drive, Possession of Dangerous Drugs, Theft, Burglary of a Habitation, Possession of Marijuana, Theft by Check, Interfer with emergency call, Terroristic Threats, Stolen Vehicle, Harassment, Injury to a Child or Elderly and traffic. There were also 69 people released from the Upshur county jail.

Thefts 11
Assault 15
Burglary 8
Criminal Mischief 7
Disturbance 11
Traffic 37
Suspicious Vehicle/Person 12
Civil Matters 2
Assist other agency 17
Drug cases 5
Unwanted Guest 4
Deaths 0
Shots Fired 2
Juvenile 3
Harassment 2
Other 41

Monday, December 22, 2008

Austin Indemnity Lloyds to Enter Receivership

Texas Department of Insurance moves to force liquidation of Austin Indemnity. Upshur residents holding policies are advised to contact their carrier or the TDI for more information.

AUSTIN - The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has filed a petition for the liquidation of Austin Indemnity Lloyds Insurance Company (Austin Indemnity). The company sold homeowners and personal auto coverage in Texas.

On July 1, 2008, Austin Indemnity sent out non-renewal notices to all of its homeowners insurance policyholders, and the company stopped taking new applications for auto insurance on August 16, 2008. In September company officials signed a hazardous financial condition order, which allowed TDI staff to more closely monitor the company’s operations.

While TDI was working with Austin Indemnity to develop an orderly withdrawal from the market, Hurricane Ike hit the Texas coast. The financial impact of the storm was too much for Austin Indemnity to continue its monitored withdrawal and forced TDI to take the additional action of ordering liquidation.

Management for Austin Indemnity has consented to receivership, and the entry of a liquidation order. In accordance with the Texas Insurance Code, policies will be canceled 30 days after the date of the liquidation order. The liquidation order is expected to be entered on December 29, 2008, and policies will then terminate effective January 28, 2009. Austin Indemnity, working with TDI staff, is sending notices to affected policyholders advising them of this situation, and providing them with resources to obtain replacement coverage.

In June 2008, Austin Indemnity entered into an agreement with one of its largest agents through which policyholders were extended an offer to purchase a renewal homeowners insurance policy with a new carrier upon the expiration of the term of their Austin Indemnity policy. Policyholders will receive a notice of an offer from this agent to obtain replacement coverage upon the termination of their Austin Indemnity policy . Policyholders should contact their insurance agents immediately to secure the replacement coverage of their choice.

TDI staff has been briefing the Texas Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association (TPCIGA) on the status of Austin Indemnity since the hazardous financial condition order was issued in September. TPCIGA is a non-profit association of all insurers licensed to sell property and casualty insurance in Texas. It exists to provide limited protection to Texas policyholders and claimants in the event of the insolvency of an insurer licensed in Texas. TPCIGA has assessed Austin Indemnity’s information systems and claims data in preparation for assuming its responsibilities to facilitate the transition to liquidation.

For more information, email mailto:PIO@tdi.state.tx.us

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Texas Forest Service Urges Caution With Holiday Fireworks

Many areas across the state will be in danger of accidental wildfires this month as some Texans celebrate the holiday season with fireworks.

Dec. 16, 2008 - COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Fireworks are commonly linked to Christmas and New Year festivities, but Texas Forest Service warns the outcome can be disastrous if proper safety precautions are not taken.

“Many Texans will be using fireworks to celebrate Christmas and the New Year,” Texas Forest Service Fire Operations Chief Mark Stanford said. “TFS wants Texans to use fireworks safely in order to protect themselves and to avoid accidentally starting wildfires.”

Under Texas law, county government officials have the authority to restrict certain types of aerial fireworks when drought conditions exist or when hazardous fuel conditions are present during the winter months. County officials also consider drought conditions when determining outdoor burn bans for their counties. Texas Forest Service does not make decisions regarding restrictions on fireworks or outdoor burning bans. The state agency does, however, provide drought condition information to counties.

Currently, many parts of Texas are in danger of accidental wildfire because of continued drought. Most of Central and West Texas is experiencing drier than normal conditions. In Southeast Texas, debris from Hurricane Ike and vegetation killed by saltwater is contributing to the problem, as is cured debris that remains from Hurricane Rita.

Tips for the safe use of fireworks:

* Adhere to all county and city fireworks laws.
* Use fireworks outdoors away from dry grass and buildings.
* Read firework labels and use only as directed. DO NOT ALTER THE PRODUCTS.
* Use only with adult supervision.
* Keep water, wet towels and a garden hose nearby.
* Allow fireworks to cool completely before handling.
* Discard used fireworks into a bucket of water.

For more information, go to Texas Forest Service website at http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/main/default.aspx.

Pendarvis To Remain As Upshur Road Administrator

In their regular meeting Monday, Upshur Commissioners voted 3-2 to leave A.L. "Bubba" Pendarvis in place as Road Administrator, pending an opinion by Billy Byrd, the District Attorney.

The vote revolved around an issue of hiring a certified engineer, or an uncertified administrator, which is the position Pendarvis currently holds

Commissioners Glenn Campbell and James Crittenden are in favor of hiring and engineer, and want to post the job for applications.

A certified engineer would draw a larger salary, approximately $20,000 more per year than Pendarvis makes.

Commissioners Lloyd Crabtree and Joe Ferguson, along with County Judge Dean Fowler, wish to leave Pendarvis in his current role. Fowler cast the tie-breaking vote to retain Pendarvis.

Campbell then asked to have District Attorney Billy Byrd issue an opinion on whether the county had to take applications for a certified engineer. In the voting on that motion, Fowler sided with Campbell and Crittenden.

Byrd confirmed this morning that Fowler had been in contact with the D.A.'s office, and work on the opinion was in progress.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictments In The Eastern District Of Texas

Kerry Scott Baker indicted on six counts of child pornography.

TYLER, TX—United States Attorney Rebecca A. Gregory announced that a federal grand jury returned indictments late yesterday charging multiple individuals in separate cases of federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas.

KERRY SCOTT BAKER, 33, of Gilmer, Texas, is charged with 6 counts of child pornography. The defendant is charged with production, distribution and receipt of child pornography.

If convicted, Baker faces up to 30 years in federal prison on Counts 1, 2, and 3. On Counts 4 and 5, the defendant faces imprisonment of up to 20 years and on Count 6, up to 10 years in federal prison.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC). In February 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Baldwin is prosecuting the case. The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

JAMES EARL FAY, 26, of Longview, is charged with 5 counts of firearms violations which include unlawful making of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

If convicted, Fay faces up to 10 years in federal prison on each count. The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Coan.

BRITT BOYD, 51, of Tyler, and PHILLIP NEWLAND, 58, of Lindale, Texas were charged with manufacturing and dealing, and conspiring with one another to manufacture and deal, in firearms without a license to either deal or manufacture firearms.

If convicted, they each face up to 5 years in federal prison. This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble.

SHERA BUCKELEW DUNCAN, 65, and RONDELL EDWARD DUNCAN, 66, of Tyler, are charged with aiding and abetting. The indictment alleges that from August 1, 2007 through April 28, 2008 Rondell Edward Duncan aided and abetted Britt Boyd in manufacturing and dealing in firearms without a license. Shera Duncan, aided and abetted by her husband, Rondell, violated numerous federal statutes pertaining to Mrs. Duncan's status as a Federal Firearms Licensee.

The Duncans each face up to 5 years in federal prison if convicted. The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble.

GARRETT MICHAEL UNDERWOOD, 19, of Texarkana, Texas is charged with possessing a firearm while being subject to a protection order. He is also charges with traveling in interstate commerce to violate the protection order.

If convicted, Underwood faces up to 10 years in federal prison for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and up to 5 years in federal prison on the charge of interstate violation of a protection order. The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise Simpson.

ETMC Gilmer Welcomes Three Physicians To Staff Positions

Three physicians have joined the staff at ETMC Gilmer, one in the ETMC First Physicians Clinic and two as hospitalists to care for hospitalized patients.

All three staff physicians are board certified internal medicine physicians.

Board-certified internal medicine physician Hernan Miranda, MD, is accepting new patients at the ETMC First Physicians Clinic, located behind the hospital at 711 N. Titus. Dr. Miranda, who recently became a naturalized U.S. citizen, was born in Peru and is fluent in both English and Spanish. Seeking to relocate to a warmer climate, he moved to Gilmer a couple of months ago, after practicing medicine in the Philadelphia area for the past 15 years.

The son of a doctor and the father of two daughters studying medicine, Dr. Miranda is dedicated to his family and considers being a physician a privilege. “I take a lot of pride when my patient tells me, ‘I feel much better. Thank you, doctor.’”
Dr. Miranda accepts most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, and welcomes new patients. Appointments can be made with Dr. Miranda by calling 903-841-7300.

Ilanko Upendran, MD, is a board certified internal medicine physician who worked at ETMC Gilmer until earlier this year as a hospitalist – a doctor who takes care of patients who are hospitalized. Since then, Dr. Upendran has been working in other ETMC hospitals across the region, but has now returned to work full-time as a hospitalist at ETMC Gilmer. He is joined by Gregory W. DuQuella, MD, who is a new hospitalist at ETMC Gilmer.

“We check on our patients multiple times a day, according to the patient’s needs. In other facilities, doctors often just check on them once, but we come back to make sure they are comfortable and all their needs are taken care of. If they have any issues, we address them right away. That’s the difference that ETMC Gilmer provides,” explained Dr. Upendran. “I am very excited about returning to ETMC Gilmer, and look forward to seeing my friends and former patients in Gilmer.”

Like Drs. Miranda and Upendran, Dr. DuQuella is also a board certified internal medicine physician. He has worked as a hospitalist in Longview since 2005. Prior to that, he worked as a hospitalist in Chicago. He is a graduate of the Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, and completed his residency training at the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center.

--- BYLINE

Gilmer Man Sentenced on Child Pornography Charges

William Allen Pipes sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for child pornography.

TYLER, TX – United States Attorney Rebecca A. Gregory announced today that a 33-year-old Gilmer, Texas man has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for child pornography violations in the Eastern District of Texas.

WILLIAM ALLEN PIPES pleaded guilty on June 26, 2008 to Possession of Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors and was sentenced today by United States District Judge Michael Schneider. Pipes was also ordered to forfeit all interest in a Blackberry and personal computer seized in this case.

According to information presented in court, on January 10, 2008, a federal search warrant was executed at Pipes' residence. During the search, Pipes' personal computer was seized. Forensic analysis revealed the computer contained digital images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Pipes admitted to possessing more than 300 images of child pornography.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC). In February 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service and the Longview Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bill Baldwin.

Background via Tyler Paper

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Upshur Sales Tax Revenues Increase in 2008

Countywide, 2008 tax allocations totaled $2,609,000, increasing $205,000 over 2007

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs said Friday that Texas collected $1.98 billion in sales tax in November, up 4.7 percent compared to November 2007.

“For the first three months of the state’s 2009 fiscal year, state sales tax collections have continued to grow,” Combs said. “However, the increase is less than in the past three years, and collections from important sectors such as retail trade and construction have declined slightly.”

The Comptroller sent cities, counties, special purpose districts and transit systems their final sales tax allocations of 2008 — $488 million, up 9.2 percent compared to last December. Despite the economic slowdown, Combs said local governments collected $5.9 billion in sales tax this year, 6.3 percent more than in 2007.

Upshur County, as well as the cities of Big Sandy, East Mountain, Gilmer, Ore City, and Union Grove, all receive separate monthly allocations from the state.

When combined, the December allocations of $213,573.50, which comes from sales taxes collected in October of this year, grew over $23,000 from December 2007, which was $190,357.64.

For the calendar year, 2007 combined allocations were $2,404,349, increasing this year to $2,609,958. This is a healthy 8.5% increase.

Calendar Years 2008 and 2007 Allocations
Recipient	2008	2007	% Change
Big Sandy	$280,782	$261,890	7.21%
East Mountain	$23,474	$19,077	23.05%
Gilmer	$1,282,214	$1,204,491	6.45%
Ore City	$131,454	$112,058	17.31%
Union Grove	$5,752	$5,313	8.27%
Upshur County	$886,279	$801,517	10.58%
Combined	$2,609,958	$2,404,349	8.55%

Not all the news was rosy, however. Big Sandy, East Mountain and Union Grove all saw individual decreases from December of last year. Union Grove tumbled 64%.

December 2008 and 2007 Allocations
Recipient	Dec 2008	Dec 2007	% Change
Big Sandy	$23,984	$24,569	-2.38%
East Mountain	$2, 111	$2,395	-11.83%
Gilmer	$103,912	$92,936	11.81%
Ore City	$10,527	$9,759	7.87%
Union Grove	$303	$862	-64.82%
Upshur County	$72,734	$59,835	21.56%
Combined	$213,573	$190,357	12.20%

Friday, December 12, 2008

New Diana Middle School Places Five On The All-Region Middle School Band

Ross Langdon, Middle School Band Director, announced the names of the five young musicians today.

The text of his announcement follows:

I would like to recognize these students that made the All-Region Middle School Band on Friday last week.

1. Jessica Cochran- Flute
2. Garrett Mayeaux- Bari Saxophone
3. Andrew Mulanax- Trombone
4. Caitlin Ross (Alternate)- Alto Saxophone
5. Christian Gouldie (Alternate) – Bass Clarinet

These students have showed tremendous leadership and playing ability on their instrument and have done an amazing job representing New Diana. I would like to thank the NDISD Staff, Pam Martin, and Greg Pope. I Would also like to recognize the amazing work that High School Band Director George Little has provided for our program.
Sincerely ,
Ross Langdon

The Advocate joins in congratulating the talents and efforts of the five, as well.

Well Done!

New Diana Middle School Begins Using Sex Offender ID System

New Diana joins ISD's across Texas with installation of drivers license scanning equipment, linked to an online sex offender registry.

In an effort to tighten campus security, and identify known predators before they are allowed access, New Diana Middle School announced it has installed and is using the Raptor V-Soft system.

The announcement, in the school newsletter this week, follows:

When you come to pick up your child at NDMS, you will experience a system designed to make our school safer by scanning licenses for the sole purpose of checking for sex offenders only. We will ask you or any other visitors to our campus to allow us to scan your license. If staying on campus, you will receive a sticker with your photo and destination while you are on our campus. While this can take a little more of your time, please realize that this is for the safety of your child and all students in our schools. Thank you!

The Raptor system has been in the news lately, due to a lawsuit in Lake Travis over it's use, alleging violations of parents constitutional rights, including freedom to associate with their children at school, and freedom from unreasonable search and seizure. The case has yet to be tried.

Responding to that suit, Houston based Raptor Systems said it was unaware of other similar lawsuits.

On it's website, Raptor claims to have the system installed in 5000 schools, including Southside, McKinney, Tyler, Kilgore and Athens ISD's in Texas.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Big Sandy Police Arrest Fugitive Listed On America's Most Wanted

Assisted by the Upshur Sheriff's Office, Hawkins Police Department, the Texas DPS and the Longview SWAT Team, Big Sandy officers nabbed Duane Beard, a fugitive from a murder charge in Kansas, Tuesday.

According to the AMW website, Beard is wanted for first-degree murder, and two counts of Armed Criminal Action and 1st Degree Assault

The News-Journal has the story of the capture.

America's Most Wanted list the following details of the crimes Beard is accused of:

According to authorities investigating the case, roommates Sherry Stewart and Samantha Curlee were hurting for cash. The end of the month was just around the corner, and bills, rent, and utilities would be coming due.

The roommates thought they had stumbled upon good fortune when their friend, Duane Beard, gladly agreed to lend them some of the necessary funds.

Police say the roommates left Kansas City for the weekend. Samantha had family that lived in Clinton, a small, rural town 77 miles outside of Kansas City, and they often visited to get away from the bustling city.

Meanwhile, vexed by Sherry and Samantha's unexpected absence from town, Beard's temper churned. Prosecutors say that Beard had money on his mind and did not take at all kindly to the girls' unforeseen getaway, especially without receiving repayment or prior notification.

Upon their return home, police say Sherry and Samantha didn't have to wait long before receiving an unexpected visit from Beard. Beard's animosity accumulated with the arousal of his foul temper. He wanted his money. According to police, Beard felt he was being dealt a short hand.

When he arrived at Sherry and Samantha's apartment, Beard was let right in. The girls were not aware of his horrifying potential. Tempers flared, according to authorities, and angry words were exchanged between Sherry and Beard. Samantha, an innocent bystander, was on the coach, unaware of the developing situation.

Police say Sherry tried to run from the argument by heading towards the bathroom. Beard, by now, they say, had become dangerous and irrational.

Prosecutors say Beard, furious at this point, shot Sherry. He immediately turned towards Samantha and shot her as she lay on the coach.

According to police, Sherry was dead on arrival, and Samantha was suffering from a serious wound to the abdomen. She was taken to a nearby hospital, and survived the devastating assault.
Duane Beard, a very small man weighing in at just 127 lbs. and standing a mere 5'7" tall, faces four colossal charges: first-degree murder, and two counts of Armed Criminal Action and 1st Degree Assault.

Police say Beard was due in court, but posted a $300,000 bond and bailed out of jail.

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Design by Dzelque Blogger Templates 2008

The Upshur Advocate - Design by Dzelque Blogger Templates 2008

Site Meter