C O M M U N I T Y,
E D U C AT I O N ,
B U S I N E S S ,
P O L I T I C S
&
R E L I G I O N
N E W S
Complimentary Copy
Vol. 21 No. 030
August 24-31, 2017
East Texas Montessori Prep Academy kicks off
Longview Independent School District opens the largest Montessori academy in America giving every student opportunity for success
Longview ISD board of trustees Ava Welge, Shan Bauer, Ted Beard, Virgina Northcutt, State Representative Jay Dean, Dr. Mark Camp, Dr. Troy Simmons, Mayor Andy Mack and Honorable Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt.
By Joycelyne Fadojutimi
“
It is not true that I invented what is called the Montessori Method. I have studied the child. I have taken
Non-Profit seeks Nominees for Beauty & Business Award Keep Tyler Beautiful is seeking the public’s help in nominating local businesses for the third quarter Beauty and the Business Award. The Beauty and Business Award recognizes businesses in
...See NOMINEES on Page 5
Municipal Court appoints new judge Tyler Municipal Court has appointed Amy McCullough as Presiding Judge of the Court. McCullough took on the interim position in February. She previously served on the City’s Planning and Zoning ...See MUNICIPAL on Page 5
Volunteers, sponsors wanted
Keep Tyler Beautiful is inviting the community to participate in a park service day on Sept. 16 at 9 a.m. at the Glass Recreation Center and Woldert Park, located at 501 W. 32nd St. This ...See VOLUNTEERS on Page 5
what the child has given me and expressed it, and that is what is called the Montessori Method.”--Dr. Marie Montessori. With a new school year approaching, there
will be something fresh and exciting in the Longview Independent School District (LISD) This will be the first semester for the new East Texas Montessori
Prep Academy (ETMPA.) Even more thrilling, it will be the largest Montessori school in the country, with a 149,581-square foot building. An enrollment
of approximately 1100 students is anticipated. The ribbon cutting brought together LISD officials, state, county and local elected dignitaries. They were on hand to
LISD convenes convocation “You have to be an advocate for your children. Do not allow them to be stepped on. Serve your children by getting involved and vote for a pro-education senator.” – Convocation Keynote Speaker Charles Foster Johnson, pastor and education advocate. By Keisha Roland/ETR The famed Green Marching Machine’s drum beats shook Lobo Coliseum and signaled renewed hopes, high student achievement and anticipation for the new school year. There was excitement, hope and confidence with a pep rally-type atmosphere. Longview ISD ROTC honor guards presented
the flags as the awardwinning Lobo band played the national anthem. Reverend Evan Dolive opened the with prayer, asking the Lord’s blessings for the new school year. Following invocation, Longview ISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox recognized administrators, teachers and staff for their devotion to excellence.
19 different courses were available and over 300 students enrolled. “I taught Introduction to New Testament, a oneweek general education course required for all ETBU students,” Professor of Religion Warren
(NNPA Newswire Contributor)
Legendary civil rights activist and comedian Dick Gregory died Dr. Cynthia Wise and her Foster Middle school teachers ...See LISD on Page 3
By Caleb Ray Coates What can I say? If you’ve never attended Financial Peace University (FPU), taught by nationally known author and teacher Dave Ramsey, you are in for a treat. In it you will learn the importance of saving for emergencies, how to end all money fights, how to manage your money, how to get out of debt and
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Top frauds, scams
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Comptroller announces low interest rate ...See COMPTROLLER on Page 5
...See FINANCIAL PEACE on Page 5
“Children win because of what we do. We must speak vision into their lives.” - Convocation Keynote Speaker Ken Williams, Morehouse College Alumni, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Unfold the Soul
“It is great to be a Pine Tree Pirate” chants echoed as administrators, faculty and staff made their way to Pine Tree
Commissioner Wayne Christian (R -Texas) toured oil and gas cleanup sites
By Stacy M Brown
...See BAPTIST on Page 7
Independent School District (PTISD) auditorium.Coach Brent Simmons welcomed everyone in attendance. He emceed the convocation, providing jokes to get the crowd
Commissioner Christian tours East Texas operations
Dick Gregory dies at 84
Pine Tree ISD rocks convocation By Keisha Roland
...See MONTESSORI on Page 2
See full Story on www.easttexasreview.com
East Texas Baptist University’s Financial Peace Mini-Terms kick-off Fall Semester University slated East Texas Baptist University’s Mini-Terms, available as one-week or two-week courses, were administered from Monday, August 7 through Friday, August 18. The University began offering Mini-Terms in May 2016 as a benefit for the flat tuition rate. This August,
witness the opening of this massive, state-of-theart establishment. The implications are promising and prodigious.
loose before a districtwide competition. This competition determined which campus or department had the most school spirit. Birch Elementary School won bragging
rights and the spirit stick. Still academic achievement for all students remains the goal. Athletic Director Jody Berryhill urged the
It’s that time of the week again. Pet of the week is looking for a lovely home. Begonia is a 4 year old 37 pound Terrier Pit Bull mix. She is very active, spayed and heartworm negative. She is located at Longview Animal Care & Adoption Center 303 H.G. Mosley Pkwy. Begonia is available with the “Free over Three” program and approved application. Give a Pet a new story and adopt Begonia today.
...See PINE TREE on Page 7
The LORD is my strength and my defense ; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2 NIV
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Local News East Texas Montessori Prep Academy kicks off
August 24-31, 2017
Christal Burks, Dr. Jody Clements and Jeanna Holly ...From Page 1
The LISD will use Montessori education for Head Start, pre-K and kindergarten pupils from throughout the school district except for those enrolled in Hudson PEP and Johnston-McQueen elementary schools. Children in the Montessori program work and learn at whatever pace best suits them, and emphasis is on individual instruction. This pre-K Montessori campus is located at the intersection of U.S. highways 259 and 80. LISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox can hardly wait to get started. “This is a dream of quality education for all students come true for parents and our community,” he said. “We always talk about doing what is best for students, however, often we do what’s best for adults, but not this time.” Wilcox hopes to see additional Texas school districts follow the LISD example of striving to meet the needs of all their students. ETMPA may be the Genesis for a statewide overhaul in preparatory education. This is part of Wilcox’s vision of continuously improving student instruction, college and workforce readiness. “Our students deserve the best opportunities. We just have to get our government leaders to lift up every student the best
way they can,” he said. “But they consistently refuse to do so.” Another perk is that all East Texans are invited to enroll at ETMPA. Wilcox points out that decades of research shows Montessori is the fastest method to accelerated academic excellence for all students, especially low-performing ones. Moreover, Montessori method gives students access to and the ability to complete the international baccalaureate program. ETMPA Principal Dr. Jacqueline Burnett gave tours of the campus to attendees. In addition, she described her journey to her new position and facility. “When Superintendent Culver gave me the opportunity to teach elementary school, my mother Jackie Burnett, said, ‘When you have a sapling you can mold it. When it is a tree you have to uproot it.’” Dr. Burnett chose to mold saplings and is certain to be doing plenty of positive molding in her new capacity. Furthermore, District 7 State Representative Jay Dean can see this coming, and has no doubts as to the future scholastic success and how many more educational successes can originate in the state capital. “I am very proud of our Lobo family and what they are doing for education,” he said. “Dr. Wilcox did a
State Representative District 7 Jay Dean, Mayor Andy Mack and Dr. Mark Camp
fabulous job helping me in Austin. My Lobo family was there lending their help as we were crafting the legislation on how to properly fund education. We are not done yet. We hope to find the answers to school finance reform. I appreciate all their help.” The plaudits just kept coming from all the highest places. “I cannot think of a better program and state-of-the-art structure to have than this one in Gregg County,” said the Honorable Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt. “This is phenomenal. I appreciate the school district, Dr. Wilcox and his team.” Hardcore Lobo, Mayor Andy Mack repeated Wilcox’s declaration that this school will give every student an excellent chance to succeed. “I am so proud of this momentous occasion and so proud to be a Lobo,” he said. “I am thankful for this forward-thinking school. This is a piece of the education puzzle we need.” LISD Board of Trustees member Virgina Northcutt is herself a Montessori graduate, and delighted to be a part of the ETMPA grand opening. “Montessori education teaches peace, self-control, love, patience and task completion,” she said. “Best of all, students become lifelong learners.” Another LISD trustee, Dr. Troy Simmons, called
Longview ISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox, George Burnett and East Texas Montessori Prep Academy Principal Jacqueline Burnett
Andrew Gonzales, Selena Boyce, Darreia Williams, Estela Crawford, Kathy Mooney and Stacey Gaskin
the new school, “The best thing that has happened in public education for 25 years.” Burnett pointed out that pre-K admission is decided by income and language. She can hardly wait to get started. The role of teacher is unique and priceless. In Montessori method, teachers are mainly overseers and supervisors as their students learn via a natural process that develops spontaneously in every young scholar. It does not include listening to lectures, but educates with experiences every child has in reaction to the surrounding environment. Teachers are tasked with presenting and arranging for cultural activity and interaction in a learning atmosphere tailored for each child. “A room in which all the children move about usefully, intelligently and voluntarily, without committing any rough or rude act, would seem to me a classroom very well disciplined indeed,” said Dr. Montessori. For this reason, teachers gently steer their students in the right direction. From their learning processes develop on their own. Teachers cannot prepare themselves for such a procedure through mere study. They must unlearn any preconceptions based on convention, and resolve to adapt to this novel mode of learning. Teachers must realize and accept that pupils will reveal themselves through work. In this scenario, children achieve classroom success through the fruition of their own natural gifts. By removing all obstacles to learning, teachers will uncover the true nature of every child prior to assisting
student to achieve normal development. This lowpressure, non-timeoriented approach will convince children to cry out, “I want to do it” while also revealing children’s inner needs. There is a new definition of what is normal. The normal, welladjusted child is one who precociously intelligent, who has overcome himself, lives in contentment and leans toward an industrious, fruitful life rather than unrewarding, non-fulfilling sloth. In this capacity, a child’s positive development via the Montessori system is more accurately called “normalization,” not “conversion.” Students can achieve stunning achievements through their frenetic absorption of information from their environments, even though they are still incapable of putting this constantly accumulating data to significant good use. By age three, a child will have perceived numerous concepts by exploring his surroundings. His activities and investigations have enabled him to mentally assimilate numerous facts and concepts. The Montessori method maintains that to merely dictate details is confusing to developing young minds. Establishing relationships between things, however, brings knowledge and comprehension. There is also however, a further point to be considered. Montessori concept teaches there is no limit to learning. The entire universe is available for exploration. The volume of universal knowledge is imposing, but investigating it provides access to information on everything.
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The truth is out there, and every question can be answered. As a result, by walking the path provided with proper teaching methods, there is nothing that cannot be learned. Wandering aimlessly in response to the universal need to know is like searching for the proverbial needle in a haystack. This is the reason why, this quest to learn gives access to laws governing the universe, and these truths are fascinating and delightful to a child. Even as he drinks in information, his thirst does not slacken as he asks, “What am I? What is the task of humanity in this wonderful universe? Do we merely live here for ourselves, or is there something more for us to do? Why do we struggle and fight? What is good and evil? Where will it all end?” Contemporary education is a field whose importance has never been so great and vital. Its significance can be summed up in one sobering statement-Education is the best weapon for peace. To this end, Dr. Montessori said it best, “An education capable of saving humanity is no small undertaking. It involves the spiritual development of man, the enhancement of his value as an individual and the preparation of young people in times in which they live. Establishing lasting peace is the work of education; all politics can do is keep us out of war.” Dr. Maria Montessori was an Italian physician and educator. She is the architect of the Montessori method, a scientific pedagogy that is named after her.
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Local News Local News
August 24-31, 2017 June 22-29, 2017
LISD convenes convocation
Dr. Jody Clements and Matthew Prosser
John York and Mike Perkins
Loretta Thompson Martin
Dennis Williams and Beth Bassett
The house was packed with Longview residents eager to get to know more about Islam and the Islamic center
Cathy Jefferson and Elaine Alexander
Hudson PEP Principal Sue Wilson and her teachers
Longview ISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox and Reverned Charles Foster Johnson
Dr. Cynthia Wise and her NED E. Williams teachers
Southward Principal Rebecca Cooper and her teachers
Dara Brazile and Bramlette Principal Nakita Mumphrey
founded Pastors for Texas Children, a 6A public school system serving more As the convocation ended, Pastor statewide organization mobilizing the faith Richard Williams gave a heartfelt than 8,400 students and employing about community for public education ministry 1,400 staff members. Convocation is a benediction. “You are the best school district east of and advocacy. The Longview Independent School I-45, ” reiterated Wilcox. “You are doing Tayseer Ali, Rehan Tariq, Fahad Noman, Anwar Khalifa, Zain Khen, Saad Noman great way for campuses to get together and Tariq Bashir and daughter Amna Tariq Reverend Johnson enthusiasm about build unity as a district. District is a diverse and award-winning great things for students, and because of education radiated as he lavished you, our students are excelling.” adulations on administration, teachers Assistant Superintendent for Campus and staff for their hard work. “Keep Accountability Horace Williams thanked motivating, keep encouraging and keep and encouraged the principals, teachers pumping knowledge in the upcoming and staff, urging them to continue on the path of excellence. According to Williams, school year and the kids will fly,” stated. Johnson emphasized that we ithave if the Lobo continues chasing other. I enjoyed all”a said. “We are humans, and From Pagenation 1 guest, Gail Cowe have blood andAnother great Creator cannot do everything student achievement, distinguished stars the same chrane, lived in Washington flowing in our veins. We on our own, but together anything is will come forth. “I believe in live and let for 25 years, and is shocked respect every religion, and possible. It is important to note, advocacy With 6 distinguished stars, Hudson Pep live,” said McLeroy. “Let byJohnson. the racism prevalenta in want to tell is the commu- for important He informed and Ned E. Williams them worship the Elementary way we Schools Longview. nity who we are.” they They performing don’t packed Lobo coliseum of elected officials are twowant. of the highest schools “There is education. so much ignoThe mosquewho hasdoemerbother anyone.” not support public in Texas in their TEA groups. Other rance about people ald green and creme-colBashir says Williams some cited include: Johnson urged educators, andother anyone accomplishments from and cultures,” she said. “We Muslims do JL give Islam Johnston a ored carpets imported who works in the field of education to * Bramlette, Everhart, Turkey. They are there be- need to do more of this.” badMcQueen name. and Ware Elementary continuously advocate for students and The packed house was is permitted “We call these people1 distinguished ex- cause nobody Schools all received star. public education to wear shoes in the main delighted by the sumptutremists,” said. “School We want “You have to be an advocate for your * Judsonhe Middle received 6 peace. Everyone wants mosque where prayers are ous cuisine the hosts prochildren,” he said. “Do not allow them distinguished stars. peace. The people who dis- spoken and worshippers lis- vided. There were both yourand children * Foster Middle School is oneten of the to the Imam.to be stepped on. FarServe Eastern homespun rupt peace in the name of by getting involved and vote for a pro-Many highest rated schools in the state in its In addition, the event in- American offerings. Islam are not Muslims.” education senator. ” demographics comparison group with 7 Bashir reports his con- cluded a question-and-an- carried heaping plates convocation packed distinguished stars. an swer session(see The separate homewas with them.with gregation is building excitement and hopes of reaching higher * Hudson PEP Principal Sue Wilson was stor y). Most important of all, open-to-the-public basketheights. For instance, Longview ISD named Regional President Principal of Guest Jean Wheatfall was it ended as an evening of ball goal. Anyone can use impressed withMontessori the openPrep genuine fellowship. Academy PrincipalGuests the Year. it. The goal of the Center were armed with house. Dr. Jackie Barnett is excited about the true Longview ISD Montessori Prep is to reach the community, “It was very informative knowledge of Islam; not upcoming school year. Academy will house 1,100tostudents, so they invited the public [I’m] quite she what news pundits tend “The greatest satisfaction is that we willto making the largest Montessori school in surprised,” the open ithouse. feed their audience for ratsaid. “All I can say is we “We want the community all be together,” said Barnett. “We will set America. need to understand each ings. to know he the foundation for the future, molding and Otherswho whowe tookare,” the podium included instilling strong values into our students.” inspiring and dedicated Lisa Mize, But she is not alone in this endeavor. 2016-2017 Secondary Teacher of the Scott Fischer, first year principal at Year from Foster Middle School. Mize Optometry & Optical Johnston McQueen Elementary School, is believes that “actions have an endless Wellness Pointe accepts most medical and dental insurance plans, CHIP, ready to provide top-quality education. impact on students.” She asked teachers Medicaid, and Medicare. Affordable payment options are ” I am looking forward to all the smiles and staff to “count it all joy” even in available for qualified patients. and excitement of the first day,” he said. the darkest moments. The highlights Walk-ins and new patients are welcome at all locations! “Most importantly, I am ready for the of her speech hovered around courage, students to learn and grow. Increasing the collaboration and unity. “We have the growth in our students is a major priority.” power with the right words to build a Judson Middle School ELA teacher bridge of community, encourage, build David Gutierrez is ecstatic about teaching up knowledge and inspire students,” said his students the importance of effective Mize. “There is a whole world that can tear us down. Let’s not do it to one another communication skills. “My number one goal is to teach here.” students writing with purpose and Dr. Jody Clements, Longview ISD excellence,” he said. “Writing skills are assistant superintendent for community more important than ever. Understanding relations introduced the keynote Officer John Rolls was on duty at Foster Johnson, pastor and mastering this skill will allow students speaker; Charles the opening to better express themselves in school, life and education advocate. Johnson is and careers. It is the first step in solving founder and co-pastor of Bread, a faith any conflict.” community in Fort Worth, Texas. He ...From Page 1
LONGVIEW: Muslims Seek Peaceful Co-Existence
Vision Services
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Opinion
August 24-31, 2017
President Trump and Forfeiture loot the politics of attitude corrupts justice
By Ben Shapiro Last week, President Trump ousted his White House chief strategist, Steve Bannon. Bannon was widely perceived as a divisive figure — a selfpromoting rabid political attack dog dedicated to “winning” at all costs; a fellow who declared the website he used to run, Breitbart, a forum for the “alt-right.” To put it mildly, Bannon wasn’t well-liked. For months, he had been living on borrowed time at the White House and was marginalized by Trump in favor of now-chief of staff John Kelly, national security adviser H.R. McMaster, and senior advisers Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, among others. Bannon’s firing caused a bit of a firestorm on the right, particularly after Bannon stated that “The Trump presidency that we fought for, and won, is over.” He meant that Trump’s allegiance to “nationalist populism” was over — that Trump was now surrounded by Democrats and generals. But here’s the truth: Trump’s nationalist-populist
presidency never truly began. Trump was hailed by his allies as a transformative figure, the leader of a new kind of movement centered not around conservatism but around pragmatism. According to Bannon, this meant trillion-dollar infrastructure packages and hardcore tariffs; it meant pulling out of Afghanistan and raising taxes on the rich. It also meant a border wall. Bannon was one of a cadre of would-be philosophers attempting to cobble Trumpism into something coherent. But none of those things were happening before Bannon left. Trump was never an ideologue or a pragmatist. He was — and is — a bundle of attitudes. Americans are either attracted to those attitudes
or repelled by them. They include the need to punch back as hard as possible at perceived enemies; an unwillingness to study issues in any sort of depth, because experts are merely eggheads; a focus on imaging, particularly as it pertains to him personally; and a knee-jerk animus against those who would insult institutions. All of this makes the Trump administration confused and confusing. It also means that the best conservative hopes for a Trump administration lie not in the cheerleading of sites like Breitbart, or the manipulations of House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., or Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., but with Democrats. If Democrats were smart, they’d see that Trump has already been alienated by conservatives and “nationalist populists” — that he’s in search of an emotional home. They’d begin cultivating him; they’d push him to sign broad bipartisan legislation. But, like Trump, the Democratic Party is more of a collections of attitudes than policies. And its
primary attitude is animus for Trump personally. That means it’ll forgo any gain in order to slap Trump. So in order to drive Trump’s approval ratings lower, Democrats will continue to avoid working with him like he’s the plague. What comes next? The most probable answer: not much. That’s not because of Bannon or the Democrats. It’s because of Trump. When it comes to governing, ideology matters; philosophy matters. Attitude only matters when it comes to getting elected. President Trump is finding that out day by day. So are some of his most ardent and passionate ideological supporters. Ben Shapiro, 33, is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show” and editor-in-chief of DailyWire. com. He is The New York Times best-selling author of “Bullies.” He lives with his wife and two children in Los Angeles. To find out more about Ben Shapiro and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www. creators.com.
Why are pregnant women likelier to die at rural hospitals?
By Froma Harrop
While giving birth at a small hospital in central Tennessee, Whitney Brown developed terrible breathing problems and seizures. The medical staff in McMinnville decided she needed the attention of specialists at a big hospital in Chattanooga. It took nearly two hours to get her there. Despite the new team’s heroic efforts, the 28-year-old died shortly after her arrival. Brown’s story was the centerpiece of a Wall Street Journal article about maternal death rates in rural areas greatly surpassing those in urban ones. The opposite used to be true. What we saw was a young white woman, wholesomely described as “an outgoing former high school cheerleader,” who grew up in a town known for its shrub and flower growers. Readers were more than halfway through before learning that Brown had spent early weeks of her pregnancy in jail after an opioid relapse violated her courtordered treatment for addiction. Had Brown been an African-American addicted to heroin, this detail might well have gone high up in the story, if not in the lead. Nor would the writers have
similarly described the boyfriend — as they did the father of Brown’s baby — as a fiance, implying a more stable family structure than existed. So what should this story be about? Is it the disparity in quality of care between rural and big-city hospitals or the explosion of drug addiction among rural whites? It could be about both, but it shouldn’t extend whitekid-glove treatment to a woman who tried to get pregnant while on drugs and, when she succeeded, did not stop taking. So what if Brown, according to her mother, “was just beside herself ” with joy upon learning she would have a daughter? From the arrangement of facts, it’s hard to believe that Brown’s death wasn’t afforded an added element of tragedy because she was white. It’s true that rural hospitals have suffered cutbacks in recent years. It’s true that Brown was ultimately diagnosed with an amniotic fluid embolism, a deadly condition whose causes remain unclear. It’s also true that expert-heavy medical centers can offer more sophisticated care than the average small-town hospital. But that was the case in 2000, when the rate of maternal deaths was higher in the cities. Obviously, more women are burdening hospitals in largely white rural areas with drug addictions they pass on to their babies. From 2004 to 2013, the proportion of “drug babies” increased nearly twice as much in rural counties as in urban areas, according to a JAMA Pediatrics study. What should we do about this calamity affecting all races and city and country alike? Show compassion for those who made bad choices — but equally. Drug treatment programs should be everywhere and free. But addicted babies deserve compassion, too. That leaves doctors with terrible dilemmas. Some states consider drug use during pregnancy to be child abuse. As a result, many women hide their addictions and don’t seek treatment for them. Horror stories are legion. A mother in Utah rubbed crushed Suboxone pills into her newborn’s gums to cover the child’s drug withdrawal symptoms. (She and the father were arrested.) In Ohio, meanwhile, a court put several pregnant addicts behind bars to keep drugs out of their hands. Three of the women reportedly induced labor while in jail so they could get back out and do more heroin. Many will argue that being hooked on drugs didn’t make Brown evil. Perhaps not. But it also didn’t necessarily make her a victim of inferior hospital care. For her, the mountain ridges standing between McMinnville and Chattanooga may have been just some of the obstacles for a life ended in grief. Follow Froma Harrop on Twitter @FromaHarrop. She can be reached at fharrop@gmail.com. To find out more about Froma Harrop and read features by other Creators writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators webpage at www. creators.com.
By Jacob Sullum In Ohio during the 1920s, people caught with “intoxicating liquors” could be tried by rural mayors, who were paid for each conviction and authorized to impose fines that were split between the village and the state. Four decades later, mayor’s courts in Ohio were handling traffic cases, which did not reward the mayors directly but generated substantial income for their villages. According to the U.S. Supreme Court, both of these arrangements violated the right to due process, since the judges had a financial incentive to find people guilty. Civil asset forfeiture creates a similar problem, encouraging police and prosecutors to take property from innocent owners and turn a deaf ear to their objections. That is what happened to Rhonda Cox, whose pickup truck was seized in 2013 by Pinal County, Arizona, sheriff ’s deputies when they arrested her son for installing stolen parts in it. Cox argues that the forfeiture violated her right to due process, and last week a federal judge refused to dismiss her lawsuit, recognizing the constitutional concerns raised by a system that lets law enforcement agencies make money by confiscating assets they say are linked to crime. In Arizona, U.S. District Judge Diane Humetewa noted, the law enforcement agencies that initiate and complete a forfeiture get to keep all of the proceeds. Some agencies, such as the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s bomb squad, SWAT team, and hazardous materials unit, are funded entirely by forfeitures, while others rely on them to pay for vehicles, equipment, overtime, retirement fund contributions, and image-building donations to local civic groups. According to Cox’s complaint, Lando Voyles, who as Pinal County attorney approved the confiscation of her truck, even used forfeiture loot to pay for his home security system. This financial interest tends to make cops and prosecutors less than sympathetic to the rights of innocent property owners like Cox, who did not know her son had borrowed her truck, let alone that he was doing anything illegal with it. The deputies who took the truck said there was no way she’d ever get it back, and Voyles’ office rejected her “petition for mitigation” out of hand, claiming (incorrectly) that she was not entitled to relief because she had purchased the truck for family use. Deputy Pinal County Attorney Craig Cameron also claimed, inconsistently, inaccurately, and irrelevantly, that Cox was a “straw buyer” for her son. “Rhonda was caught in a Kafkaesque predicament where, bizarrely, she bore the burden of proving that she was entitled to get the Truck back,” her complaint notes. “The State did not have to prove that Rhonda did anything wrong — let alone criminal — in order to keep the Truck.” Cox could not afford to take her challenge further, especially since the cost of a lawyer could easily have exceeded the $6,000 she paid for the truck. Under state law at the time, she also would have been on the hook for the government’s legal expenses if she lost. The American Civil Liberties Union, which is representing Cox, notes that forfeitures in Pinal County frequently involve property worth less than $1,000, making legal challenges prohibitively expensive. That effectively means the agencies that stand to profit from a forfeiture are the first and final arbiters of whether it’s justified. Even prosecutors understand the potential for corruption in this situation. A training presentation from the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys Advisory Council, which Judge Humetewa quotes in her ruling, warns that “when your bosses can’t find any money in their budget they get depressed,” and “when they get depressed they tell you to start doing forfeiture cases.” Playing off those jokey Direct TV ads about the hazards of cable, the downward spiral continues until cops “start seizing everything in sight,” “screw things up,” and “ruin forfeitures for all of us.” Although the slide is supposed to be an admonition about the need for “educated, ethical and professional” forfeiture practices, it is really a lesson about the hazards of legalized theft. Jacob Sullum is a senior editor at Reason magazine. Follow him on Twitter: @jacobsullum. To find out more about Jacob Sullum
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Non-Profit seeks nominees for Beauty & Business Award ...From Page 1
the community for their improvement, upkeep, cleanliness and beautification efforts. This year, Standard Insurance and the Magnuson Grand Hotel and Conference Center have been presented as quarterly winners. By awarding those businesses who keep their property beautiful and clean, Keep Tyler Beautiful hopes to motivate others in the city to do the same. Community beautification takes the cooperation of all residents of Tyler. Board members examine different aspects of the business, such as: • Store front is inviting with the use and upkeep of greenery, such as grass, trees, shrubs and/or flowers along with benches, trash cans and/or chairs. • Parking area is litter free.
• Store front has attractive signs. • Dumpster and trash areas are clean and tidy. • Old, unused bulky items are not stored around or behind the store, i.e. equipment, furniture or supplies. • Building front is in good shape with clean paint or bricks Nomination from the public are due Monday, Sept. 11. People may nominate a business by uploading a photo of the business to the City of Tyler’s social media pages (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram) using the hashtag #TylerBeautyandBusiness or emailing the photo to Angela Cardoza, Keep Tyler Beautiful community coordinator, at acardoza@tylertexas.com. The winner of the award will be presented a certificate and yard sign from the Keep Tyler Beautiful Board.
Municipal Court appoints new judge
Financial Peace University slated ...From Page 1
stay out of debt, how to understand and make good investments for the future, how to understand insurances and what types of insurance you should have, and much more. The next 9-week video FPU that I will facilitate will begin on Sunday, September 10th starting at 6 P.M. sharp, and will end by 8 P.M. The course will be held at HighRidge Church, which is located at 2101 W. Marshall Avenue in Longview. Everyone is welcome, regardless of race or religion. A nursery will be provided at no cost for children ages infant through twelve. If you have young
adults between 13 & 18 that you don’t want to leave at home alone, they are welcome to join the HighRidge Youth Group that meets at the same time and place each week. I have facilitated nine FPUs since 2003, and every time it is a blessing to see people turn the corner and make some major, life-changing decisions that will not only change their family financially, but also has the potential to change their family tree for future generations. For those who have never attended FPU before, a Membership Kit is required, and costs $80 per family. Don’t let the cost scare you off, though. Arrangements can be made to pay this out over the 9-week
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced the sale of $5.4 billion in Texas Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes (TRANs) received a net interest rate of 0.96 percent. “We received the highest possible short-term credit ratings from Wall Street, which helped drive down the cost of borrowing,” Hegar said. “I’m proud to say Texas is a solid investment.”
violations and City of Tyler code enforcement infractions. The court handles juvenile offenders, including truancy cases. In an effort to assist defendants with pending cases, the City of Tyler Municipal Court is a “Safe Harbor”. “The Court is continually seeking ways to streamline our processes so that our citizens who must handle business with us can do so confidently and comfortably,” said Nicole Johnson, Municipal Court administrator. “We look forward to the leadership of Judge McCullough in continuing this effort.”
The Comptroller’s office received 66 bids worth $20.5 billion, 3.8 times the amount offered for sale. It is the first time Texas has had to issue TRANs since 2014. Prior to that, Texas had sold TRANs annually since fiscal 1987. Money from TRANs sales is used to help fund expenditures such as publicschool payments made early in the fiscal year, before the arrival of tax revenues later in the year. The $5.4 billion in notes from today’s sale will be repaid on Aug. 30, 2018. T:5.73”
LEGAL NOTICE These Texas Lottery Commission scratch ticket games will be closing soon: Game #
Game Name / Odds
$
Official Close of Game
End Validations Date
1872
Double Match Overall Odds are 1 in 4.47
$2
9/29/17
3/28/18
1447
Money Craze Overall Odds are 1 in 3.55
$1
10/25/17
4/23/18
1755
Easy Money Overall Odds are 1 in 3.42
$5
10/25/17
4/23/18
1831
Lucky 7 Flip Multiplier Overall Odds are 1 in 3.95
$5
10/25/17
4/23/18
1833
Lucky No. 7 Overall Odds are 1 in 4.17
$5
10/25/17
4/23/18
1779
Super Break The Bank Overall Odds are 1 in 3.40
$20
10/25/17
4/23/18
Volunteers, Sponsors Wanted ...From Page 1
cleanup is a part of Clean Up the World Day initiative, a global effort to improve our earth’s condition. The event will kick off in front of the Glass Recreation Center and volunteers are encouraged to gather at the Keep Tyler Beautiful tent. Sign-up starts at 8 a.m. and the cleanup will begin at 9 a.m. Volunteers will help pick up litter from various parks, repair broken benches, repaint lines on sports courts, refresh the paint on pavilions and restroom facilities, spread new mulch on playgrounds and other activities determined by the funding for this event. Volunteers can pre-register to choose what park they would like to work at for
the day. This Fall Park Service day will primarily focus on north Tyler parks. “This Park Service day is a great way to give back to the city and show community pride,” says Keep Tyler Beautiful Community Coordinator Angela Cardoza. “I hope many families come out to give our parks the love they need. “Community service events like this are so much fun, everyone shares a strong city spirit while getting their hands dirty improving our community.” Keep Tyler Beautiful is also looking for sponsors for this event to help fund all the park improvements. For more information, visit our website at www.KeepTylerBeautiful.com or e-mail Angela Cardoza, Keep Tyler Beautiful Community Coordinator, at acardoza@tylertexas.com
The odds listed here are the overall odds of winning any prize in a game, including break-even prizes. Lottery retailers are authorized to redeem prizes of up to and including $599. Prizes of $600 or more must be claimed in person at a lottery claim center or by mail, with a completed Texas Lottery® claim form; however, annuity prizes or prizes over $2,500,000 must be claimed in person at the Commission Headquarters in Austin. Call Customer Service at 800-375-6886 or visit the lottery website at txlottery.org for more information and location of nearest claim center. The Texas Lottery is not responsible for lost or stolen tickets, or for tickets lost in the mail. Tickets, transactions, players and winners are subject to, and players and winners agree to abide by, all applicable laws, Commission rules, regulations, policies, directives, instructions, conditions, procedures and final decisions of the Executive Director. A scratch ticket game may continue to be sold even when all the top prizes have been claimed. Must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a Texas Lottery ticket. The Texas Lottery supports Texas education and veterans. PLAY RESPONSIBLY. For help with a gambling problem, ncpgambling.org. © 2017 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved.
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T:10.16”
Commission for more than four years. McCullough is a graduate of Tyler Junior College, earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Mississippi and obtained her masters from the University of Oklahoma. She then earned a law degree from South Texas College of Law. As an attorney, she practiced as an Assistant District Attorney in Harris County and in municipal government as the City Attorney of Pearland, TX in the 1990s. She then went into private practice
before taking time off to spend with her family. “I am excited to work with the judicial team, court staff and City administration in finding and implementing new creative solutions in the court to improve our productivity and effectiveness,” said Amy McCullough. “We plan to add additional dockets, offer additional options to satisfy judgments, and improve the court process to more timely accommodate Tyler citizens.” The Municipal Court handles Class “C” misdemeanors, including penal code offenses, traffic
class. The kit includes a workbook, a CD recording of each lesson, an envelope system, one of Dave’s books, and other materials. If paying $80 for a kit is just not possible, call me about an alternative. It is important to understand that I don’t sell anything – not investments, not insurance, not anything, and I don’t get paid anything for facilitating FPU. What motivates me to do what I do is the hope that I may be used by God to help change someone’s family tree. For more information, or to register for the next FPU, contact me, Caleb Ray Coates, at 903-235-8004.
Comptroller announces low interest rate ...From Page 1
...From Page 1
5
Business
August 24-31, 2017
6 Gospel Spotlight 6
August 24-31, 2017 June 22-29, 2017
Gospel Spotlight Jesus really loves you Why Is Doing What is Right The greatness Help of God Why Is Doing What is Right1 of 2) Always Best? (Part WhenHelp Always Best? (Part 1 of 2) You When You NeedNeed It The Most It The Most June 22-29, 2017
By Michael A. Guido, D.D.
Scripture contains many words to describe God. They occur throughout the Bible. In Psalm 36 there are four short sentences that contain four words to describe God’s greatness: Michael A. Guido, D.D. By Michael A.ByGuido, D.D. Love, faithfulness, righteousness and justice. Then, there is one short that tells us“first how He Wephrase are all grateful for our responders.” They We are all grateful “first They save lives, for bind our wounds, bringresponders.” food, give clothing, proapplies those characteristics: Hepower. preserves all He has shelter and restore Theyclothing, have becomeproour save lives, bindvide wounds, bring food, give created. Because of HisAnd, character, God allrole. of “rescuers.” indeed, they fulfillholds a critical vide shelter and But restore power. They have become our as Christians, when face a time trial or tragHis creation together. Creation is we because ofofHim. edy,indeed, we have One has been waiting role. for us to call “rescuers.” And, theywho fulfill a critical What is so interesting here is that a few for upon Him when we need help.within He is always But as Christians, whentowe face apower time of trialwaiting or tragan opportunity prove His whenever we face a verses David moveswho from the darkness that possesses edy, we have One has been waiting for us to call difficult situation. the human heartOne to morning, the light that comes from God. about four Peter was in seriupon Him when we need help. He iso’clock, always waiting for ousHis trouble. He–and a few that of his friends were infail a small It all starts with love a love will never an opportunityboat to prove power we faceofa fromHis shore when awhenever fierce storm arose and willsituation. nevernowhere. end.farGod’s love revealed inbecame His out Fearing for is their lives they even difficult more frightened they sawPeter what they thought was faithfulness. One morning, about fourwhen o’clock, was in seria ghost. They screamed in terror. And over the howling we wereHe not able toa stern depend on God“Stop being ousIftrouble. and a few of his in a afraid.” small wind came voicefriends that said, were being faithful at all times and in all situations, His love It was Jesus assuring them that there was noout reason boat far from shore when a fierce storm arose of for them to fear for their lives because He was there to would be worthless. Imagine how tragic life would nowhere. Fearing for their lives they became even save them when they needed Him the most. be, if when we needed God’s grace orthey mercy, was more frightened when they saw what was “If it is really you,” said Peter, “tellthought meHe to come to You – let me walk on the water!” “Certainly,” said Jesus, for three weeks. Love and faithfulness a“unavailable” ghost. They screamed in terror. And over the howling “come on. You’ve nothing to fear!” He got out of the belong together! wind came a stern voice that said, “Stop being afraid.” boat, felt the wind and the waves, lost His faith and began to sink. He is shouted, “Save me,was Lord,” and He did. It was Jesusisassuring them thatrighteous there no reason Yet there more! God also and just It is never the eloquence or length of our prayer that for them to fear for their lives He was there to which affects our salvation. It because is His righteousness counts, but our simplicity and sincerity. It is never a forsave them when they needed the–most. mula but our faith. HeHim will always come to our rescue that allows us to “become righteous” to move fromif we you,” call on Him in aPeter, faith that“tell believes into Him. “If it is really said me come darkness to lightPrayer: – andLord, havewefellowship with Him. to do indeed believe in Your power You walk the water!” “Certainly,” said Jesus, But –if let Heme were noton just, some of us might not qualify and Your promises. Increase our faith whenever we doubt.nothing In Jesus’ Name, Amen. He got out of the “come on. You’ve to fear!” for His salvation.Scripture What ifforwe had to meet certain this week: Psalm 12:1 Help, LORD, boat, felt the wind and the waves, lostthose Hiswho faith and befinancial requirements beyond us? What if for no one is that faithfulwere anymore; are loyal have gan to sink. He shouted, “Save me, Lord,” and He did. vanished if from humannot race.pass a test that we were disqualified wethecould It is never the of our prayer was designed foreloquence those withora length high IQ? What if wethat counts, but our simplicity and sincerity. It is never a forwere unattractive or shy? mula but our faith. He will always come to our rescue if But, “What if ’s” do not count. “Whosoever” does! we call on Him in a faith that believes in Him. Prayer: Thank you, Heavenly Father, for Your grace Prayer: Lord, we do indeed believe in Your power that is well beyond our imaginations but not our and Your promises. Increase our faith whenever we needs. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. doubt. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Scripture forfor Today: Psalm 36:7 How priceless is Scripture this week: Psalm 12:1 Help, LORD, your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyalthe have shadow offrom yourthe wings. vanished human race.
By Carey Kinsolving
By Carey Kinsolving
Psalm 23 speaks of the
Lord leading his people in “When you have a baby paths of righteousness. A “When you have a baby sister, and sometimes you biblical proverb promises sister, and sometimes you trick thenwillGod that the Lord will direct trick her,her, then God not will not the paths of those who aclike that,” says Victoria, 8. like that,” says Victoria, 8. knowledge him in all their Baby sisters seem to Baby sisters seem to ways (Proverbs 3:6). have radar for discovering Doing good or evil begins have been radar for—discovering they’ve duped at with the decisions we make. least my baby sister did. they’ve been duped — at Paths, the directions we Parents also possess this least myas baby did. travel in life, start with pathsame radar, Katelyn, sister 8, ways in the brain. Whatevcan testify: “Ialso was faking Parents possess this er we fix our minds on will sick, and I got grounded for same radar, as Katelyn, 8, influence our brain’s paththree weeks. I got in trouways and our life’s paths. can “I that’s was faking ble with testify: my dad, and The results of a 17-year bad.” sick, and I got grounded for study in the journal Science Katelyn, your life will be three weeks. I got in troureported that 5.7 percent of much more peaceful and youths who watched less ble with my dad, and that’s fun if you do the right thing. than one hour of television Take a tip from Keeleigh, bad.” a day committed aggres11: “If you do right all the sive acts against others in your life will be time,Katelyn, you won’t get in trousubsequent years. That figble, you won’t get fussed at, much more peaceful and ure jumped to 22.5 percent and you will have more fun. fun if you do the right thing. for those who watched one That means you will make Too much television time for children: Good or bad? to three hours a day and Take tiphave from God happya and a bet-Keeleigh, 28.8 percent for those who ter11: relationship “If youwith doHim.” right real all life, the the “fun” ended few it’ll be grief/ To the law watched more than three Doing the right thing when Bonnie Parker and a relief/ But it’s death for time, you get in trouhours a day. and having fun won’t may sound Clyde Barrow drove into Bonnie and Clyde.” Think about this: You contradictory, but theget Biblefussed You don’t have to be a a hail at, of bullets fired by ble, you won’t calls this fun state “bless- lawmen waiting in ambush bank robber to know that are what you think. Parents and you will have more fun. ed.” Many people think fun along a tree-lined Louisiana the Bible says, “The wages who consider television a Thatwhen means willroad. make comes theyyou break of sin is death.” We’ve all benign babysitter should again. Children are Too much television timewages. for children: Good orlast bad? rules. Many movies depict earned those Many Shortly before her death, bundled up in his warmest youthink my very Gospel Author Unknown God happy and have a betlawless people having all Bonnie Parker gave a poem times, the second part of vulnerable to the strangand driest clothes and ended said tractit’ll which will tell ter relationship with toHim.” few be grief/ Toyou theall law ers who invade your home the fun. her mother,real whichlife, provedthe that“fun” scripture is not quotthrough television. Doing “Okay Dad, I’m ready. ” about Jesus and His great Every Sunday afternoon, Remember the movie ed: “but the gift of God is to be prophetic. Here’s how Doing the right thing when Bonnie Parker and a relief/ But it’s death for begins by thinking “Bonnie and morning Clyde”? Roblife in Christ Jesus the poem “They don’t eternal His Pastor Daddrove asked, love.right ” With he handed after the service at ends: and having fun may sound andthat, Clyde.” Clyde Barrow into Bonnie bing banks looked like so think they’re tough or des- our Lord” (Romans 6:23). If right. Memorize this truth: “For “Ready for what? her his last tract and turned their church, the Pastor and contradictory, but the Bible You don’t have to be a a hail of bullets fired by much fun in the movie. In perate./ They know the law Bonnie had known the secas he thinks in his heart, so always wins./lawmen They’ve ond half, she might have “Dad,been it’s time we gather to leave. calls this fun state “blesswaiting in ambush bank robber to know that his 11-year-old son would is he” (Proverbs 23:7). shot at before/ But they do avoided a life of crime. our and called to him he Bible says, “Theas ed.” Many think fun along a tree-lined Louisiana go out into people their town and Ask this question: If wages you not ignore/ That tracts death istogether “Doing what is rightthe is She feedis on death.” a diet of television always best because once the wages of road. sin. go out.” departed, “Thank you, son!all of sin We’ve comes break hand outwhen Gospelthey tracts. “Someday they’ll go you do it the first time, you violence, what are you earned those wages. Many Shortly before her death, rules. Many movies depict Dad responds, “Son, it’s And God bless you!” This particular Sunday down together/ And they’ll almost can’t stop doing it,” prone to do? the second part of Bonnie Parker poem times, lawless people having all side very cold outside, anda10. it’s The following Sunday afternoon, as it came timethem saysgave Cecile, bury by side./ To to her mother, scripture is not quotthe fun.Pastor and his son pouring down which rain.” proved that morning in church, Pastor for the ed: “but the gift of God to be prophetic. Here’s how Remember the movie The boy gives his Dad Dad was in the pulpit and is to go to the streets with poem ends: life inbegan Christ “Bonnie and Clyde”? a surprised look,“They asking,don’t eternal as the service heJesus their tracts, it was very Rob- the Lord” (Romans 6:23). If they’re tough orstill des- our bing banks as looked “But Dad, aren’t people asked, “Does anybody cold outside well aslike so think perate./ They know the law Bonnie had known the much fun in the movie. In have a testimony or wantsecto pouring down rain. The boy going to Hell, even though always wins./ They’ve been ond half, she might have it’s raining?” say anything?” lifethe of back crime. shot at answers, before/ But Dad “Son,they I do avoided Slowly,a in row “Doing what is right not ignore/ That death is am not going out in this of the church, an elderly is always best because once the wages of sin. weather.” lady stood to her feet. As “Someday do it the first time, you Despondentlythey’ll the boy go you she began to speak, a look almost can’t stop doing down together/ And they’ll asks, “Dad, can I go? of glorious radiance cameit,” says 10.“None of bury them side by side./ To Please?” fromCecile, her face. His father hesitated for a you in this church know moment but said, “You can me. I’ve never been here go. Here are the tracts; be before. Before last Sunday, careful, son.” I was not a Christian. My “Thanks Dad!” husband passed on some And with that, he was off time ago, leaving me totally and out into the rain. This alone in this world. Last 11-year-old boy walked the Sunday, being a particularly streets of the town, going cold and rainy day, it was door-to-door and handing even more so in my heart as everybody he met in the I came to the end of the line street a Gospel tract. After where I no longer had any hours of walking in the hope or will to live. rain, he was soaking bone“So I took a rope and chilled wet and down to a chair and ascended the his very last tract. He stairway into the attic of my stopped on a corner and home. I fastened the rope looked for someone to hand securely to a rafter in the a tract to, but the streets roof then stood on the chair were totally deserted. and fastened the other end Then, he turned toward of the rope around my neck. the first home he saw and Standing on that chair, so started up the sidewalk to lonely and brokenhearted, I the front door and rang the was about to leap off. When door bell. He rang the bell, suddenly, the loud ringing but nobody answered. He of my doorbell downstairs rang it again and again, but startled me. I thought, ‘I’ll www.facebook.com/EastTexasReview • www.EastTexasReview.com • @EastTexasReview still no one answered. He wait a minute, and whoever waited, but still no answer. it is will go away.’ I waited Finally, this 11-year-old and waited, but the ringing trooper turned to leave, but doorbell seemed to get something stopped him. more insistent and then Again, he turned to the the person ringing also door and rang the bell and started knocking loudly. I knocked loudly on the door thought to myself again, with his fist. He waited, ‘Who on earth could this something holding him be?! Nobody ever rings my there on the front porch. He bell or comes to see me!’ rang again, and this time I loosened the rope from the door slowly opened. my neck and started for the Standing in the doorway front door. All the while, was a very sad looking the bell rang louder and elderly lady. louder. When I opened the She softly asked, “What door and looked, I could can I do for you, son?” hardly believe my eyes! With radiant eyes and a There on my front porch smile that lit up her world, was the most radiant and this little boy said, “Ma’am, angelic little boy I had ever I’m sorry if I disturbed you, seen in my life! His smile! but I just want to tell you Oh, I could never describe that JESUS REALLY DOES it to you! And the words LOVE YOU! I came to give that came from his mouth
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Psalm 23 speaks of the Lord leading his people in paths of righteousness. A biblical proverb promises that the Lord will direct the paths of those who acknowledge him in all their ways (Proverbs 3:6). Doing good or evil begins with the decisions we make. Paths, the directions we travel in life, start with pathways in the brain. Whatever we fix our minds on will influence our brain’s pathways and our life’s paths. The results of a 17-year study in the journal Science reported that 5.7 percent of youths who watched less than one hour of television a day committed aggressive acts against others in subsequent years. That figure jumped to 22.5 percent for those who watched one tocaused threemyhours day heart,athat hadand 28.8 percent for those who long been dead, to leap to watched more than three life as he exclaimed with a hours a day. cherub-like voice, ‘Ma’am, Think this:that You I just cameabout to tell you are what you think. Parents JESUS REALLY DOES who consider television LOVE YOU.’ Then he gave a benign babysitter should me this Gospel tract that I think again. Children now hold in my hand. Asare vulnerable to disappeared the strangthe little angel ers who invade home back out into theyour cold and through television. Doing rain, I closed my door and right begins by word thinking read slowly every of right. this Gospel tract. Then, Memorize this truth: “For I went up to my attic to as he thinks in his heart, so get my rope and chair. I is he” (Proverbs 23:7). wouldn’t be needing them Ask this question: If you any more. feed on a diet of television “You see, I am now a violence, what are you happy child of the King, and prone to do? since the address of your church was on the back of this Gospel tract, I have come here to personally say, ‘Thank you to God’s little angel who came just in the nick of time and by so doing, spared my soul from an eternity in Hell.’” There were now no dry eyes in the church. As shouts of praise and honor to the King resounded off the very rafters of the building, Pastor Dad descended from the pulpit to the front pew where the little angel was seated. He took him in his arms and sobbed uncontrollably. Probably no church has had a more glorious moment and probably this Universe has never seen a Papa that was more filled with love and honor for his son, except for one: This Father, God, also allowed His Son, Jesus, to go out into a cold and dark world. He received His Son back with joy unspeakable, and as all of Heaven shouted praises and honor to the King, the Father sat His beloved Son on a throne far above all principality and power and every name that is named. There may be someone, reading this, who is also going through a dark, cold and lonely time in your soul. You may be a Christian, for we are not without problems, or you may not yet know the King. Whatever the case, and whatever the problem or situation you find yourself in, and no matter how dark it may seem, know that, “JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU!”
7
Local/State
August 24-31, 2017
Pine Tree ISD rocks convocation ...From Page 1
audience to exceed their own expectations for the school year. “As teachers, we teach children to reach their expectations,” said Berryhill. “But this year, we will exceed them. Everyone has a vital role and anything is possible.” Berryhill continued to reassure teachers that expectation can be met. “If you put your heart into it and never look back we will soar,” Berryhill said. “We are few, we are proud, we are Pine Tree.” On the same note, Pine Tree Superintendent Dr. T.J. Farlerexpressed her excitement for the new school year and her students. “How awesome it feels to know we are excited for school to start,” said Farler. “We are a team and all of us are here to learn and grow. We will have a growth mindset towards every child, no excuses, every child matters, and teamwork is key.” Keynote speaker Williams commended
Pine Tree ISD Board Vice President Amy Brown, Board member Adam Graves and Pine Tree ISD Superintendent Dr. TJ Farler
Primary School Principal Cristi Parsons and teachers
the faculty and staff for their passion. “With this type of energy your kids will win,” said Williams.He encouraged the district to embrace the growth mindset. Williams conveyed to the audience that anyone who encounters a child is a teacher. Therefore, people need to be positive influences and have high expectations for students. At the end, “No child has ever died from high expectations. We must inspire, empower and transform,” said Williams.
Danielle Warren, Mindi Turner, Johana Eppley
Pine Tree Superintendent Dr. TJ Farler, Ken Williams and Pine Tree Assistant Superintendent for Student Services and Human Resources Dr. Valerie Baxter
Business Department staff members Peggy Bagley, Wendy Asevedo, Andrea Anders, Shane Warner, Shirley Davis, Tammy Torres and Judy Downing
Shelia Rowlett and Geneva Scott
Birch Elementary School faculty and staff
East Texas Baptist University’s Mini-Terms kick-off Fall Semester shortened timeframe. Mini-Terms enable students to accelerate the pace of degree completion with course offerings outside the typical 16-week format. “I chose the Mini-Term, because I needed to fit more classes in my schedule to graduate on time, since I am a transfer student,” ETBU senior Marketing major Katelyn Cooper said. “I have taken a
...From Page 1
Johnson shared. “I enjoy the concentrated nature of the Mini-Terms. The students do not have to think about New Testament now, Algebra next, and their English essay due tomorrow. For this brief time, they are able to focus on one topic.” Professors ensure retention by immersing students in the material and measuring their comprehension each day. Mini-Terms were created to accommodate students’ needs by providing an accessible and quality education, while allowing them to experience the same atmosphere of community. “I enrolled in Editing and Publishing, a two-week hybrid course taught by Dr.
Mini-Term before and I plan on enrolling in more.” Mini-Terms are offered during August, December, January, Spring Break, and May. To review class schedules and learn more about the benefits of Mini-Term offerings, visit https://www. etbu.edu/academics/schedule/ or call 903.923.2000.
Ellis Purdie,” ETBU senior and Secondary English Education major Ashley Dunnehoo said. “I chose the course because I knew it would prepare me to teach editing to high school students. I appreciated the condensed structure of the Mini-Terms because it made the material easier to remember. Also, I enjoyed the relationships I made with my classmates.” Students in hybrid courses spend one-week in class and one-week online, allowing them to collaborate while at the same time incorporating flexibility. One-week and two-week courses are offered exclusively in-class in addition to the hybrid format. To reach a diverse group of students, ETBU designed the Mini-Term courses to provide students with the same quality and rigor, yet in a
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8
Health
June 22-29, August 24-31, 2017
Local Physician Physician Talks Talks
Dr. Christopher ChristopherYancey Yancey
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By Joycelyne Joycelyne Fadojutimi and Kelly Kelly Bell, Bell, East East Texas Review By Fadojutimi and Texas Review r. Christopher Yancey is a local. He He r. Christopher Yancey is a local. attended Mozelle Johnston Elementaattended Mozelle Johnston Elemenry School, Judson MiddleMiddle SchoolSchool and tary School, Judson and Longview High His School. His Longview High School. brothers brothers became but became engineers, butengineers, when the oilfields whenproducing, the oilfields stopped stopped one of thoseproducbrothone Christopher of those brothers ers ing, advised to takeadvised another Christopher to take route--specifically thehad onethe route--specifically theanother one leading to medicine. He leading to medicine. He had the grades and did indeed grades and did indeed take this direction. He has spent the take 20 this direction. He has spent the past 20 years as a past years as a beloved specialist in delivering babies beloved specialist in delivering babies and treating some and treating some forms of infertility. He loves his work, forms of infertility. He loves his work, and his patients and his patients love him. love him. has served as Chief of the Division of OB/GYN Yancey Yancey has served Medical as ChiefCenter. of the Division of OB/ at Longview Regional He matriculated GYN at Longview Regional Medical Center. He matricfrom the University of Texas Medical School in Houston ulated from theofUniversity Texas Medical in and University MississippiofMedical Center inSchool Jackson, Houston and University of Mississippi Medical Center Mississippi. He is a member of the American Medical in Jackson, Mississippi. HeAssociation, is a member of the the Wiser American Association, Texas Medical and MedicalIn Association, TexasisMedical and Society. addition, Yancey a FellowAssociation, of the American the Wiser Society. In addition, Yancey is a Fellow of the College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “I love delivering babies,” he says. “My work has diversi“I love delivering babies,” he says. “My work has ty of what I do. There is more than delivering babies in my diversity of what I do. There is more than delivering practice. I have delivered everybody, and have walked with babies in my practice. I have delivered everybody, and some to the grave.” have walked with some to the grave.” Still some of his patients are have difficulty having chilStill some of his patients are have difficulty having dren. This condition is known as infertility. Infertility is children. This condition is known as infertility. Infertility the inability of a sexually active, non-contracepting couple is the inability of a sexually active, non-contracepting to achieve pregnancy in one year. couple to achieve pregnancy in one year. Some while Some of of his hispatients patientscannot cannotbecome becomepregnant, pregnant, while others cannot carry a pregnancy full term. The emotional others cannot carry a pregnancy full term. The emotionheartbreak of this statestate is crushing. When couples cannot al heartbreak of this is crushing. When couples conceive, it is vital that both husband and wife see doccannot conceive, it is vital that both husband andthe wife tor because in 30% of cases, the problem lies with the man. see the doctor because in 30% of cases, the problem lies Age another factor. withisthe man. Age is another factor. A 21-year-old woman has has time A 21-year-old woman time on on her herside, side,but butififa a woman to to attend to her woman is is 38 38 and and still stillchildless, childless,she sheneeds needs attend to biological clock while it is still ticking. There are many her biological clock while it is still ticking. There are factors to consider. many factors to consider. Smoking, specific lifestyles and some medications can
Smoking, specific lifestyles and some medications can cause infertility. Women who smoke increase the chanccause infertility. Women who smoke increase the chances they will be unable to become pregnant or will suffer es they will be unable to become or willtheir suffer miscarriage. Yancey urges them to pregnant wisely manage miscarriage. Yancey urges them to wisely manage their lifestyles so as to not work against themselves. lifestyles so as to not work against themselves. “Healthcare is a relationship,” he says. “So, I do my part “Healthcare is part a relationship,” says. “So, the I dogoal my of and you do your so the couplehecan achieve part and you do your part so the couple can achieve the having a baby.” goal of having a baby.” Yancey treats specific aspects of infertility, recommends Yancey treatsspecialists specific aspects of infertility, recomother infertility if necessary, and sends husmends other infertility specialists if necessary, and sends bands to urologists for examination and treatment when husbands to urologists for examination and treatment needed. He also has personal reasons for pursuing this when needed. He also has personal reasons for pursuing calling. this calling. “My wife and I always wanted a large family, but wanted “My wife and I always wanted a large family, but to wait until I finished school,” he says. “The prospect of wanted to wait until I finished school,” he says. “The starting a family was exciting. First bath, first words, first prospect of starting a family was exciting. First bath, first steps, riding a bike,riding coaching littlecoaching league, dance words, first steps, a bike, little recitals, league, pinewood derby, fishing, bedtime stories, tea parties, playdance recitals, pinewood derby, fishing, bedtime stories, ing dress up, building forts. It was all too exciting. When tea parties, playing dress up, building forts. It was all too do we start? Signdo uswe up.start? ” exciting. When Sign us up.” It did not work out as and It did not work out as expected. expected.One Oneyear, year,two twoyears, years, thenthen threethree with with no babies. WhenWhen they went an infertility and no babies. they to went to an inspecialist he could find no problem to treat, and told fertility specialist he could find no problem to treat,them and theythem wouldthey likely neverlikely have never children. Knowing sheKnowwould told would have children. be crushed, Yancey did not share thisdid lastnot bitshare of informaing she would be crushed, Yancey this last tion with his wife. bit of information with his wife. The loneliness ofof The lonelinessofofinfertility infertilityset setin–the in--thesensation sensation having lost something having had having somethingprecious preciousbefore beforeeven even having had it. It It is a problem understand. it. problem one onehas hastotoexperience experiencetoto understand. The afflicted must mustresist resistbecoming becomingembittered, embittered, espeThe afflicted especially cially around with children. It was difficult doubly around those those blessedblessed with children. It was doubly difficult for Yancey because of the medical capacity for Yancey because of the medical capacity in which hein which served.he served. “I obstetricalresident residentininaalarge, large,inner-city inner-cityhospihos“I was was an an obstetrical pital. We cared for people who did not want to get pregtal. We cared for people who did not want to get pregnant,” nant,” says. “Wefor cared forwho people did not need he says.he“We cared people didwho not need to get to get pregnant. We cared for patients with serious drug pregnant. We cared for patients with serious drug probproblems, prostitutes, people angry at their unwanted lems, prostitutes, people angry at their unwanted pregnanpregnancies. I didn’t understand. It just fair.” cies. I didn’t understand. It just wasn’t fair.wasn’t ” Yancey gavehis hiswife wifeaayellow yellowlab labpuppy–Sadie puppy--Sadie HawYancey gave Haw-Lo-
kins Dance. This canine Yancey becamekins a substitute cal Physician Talkswonderful Dr. Christopher Dance. child. Climbing fences, climbing onto furniture This wonderful canine became a substitute child. and climbing them. She was going Climbingonto fences, climbing ontopriceless furnituretherapy, and climbing everywhere with them. onto them. She was priceless therapy, going everywhere “She loved riding in the car. We would never dream of with them. putting her in a kennel if we on a trip, so dream she went “She loved riding in the car.went We would never of with us,” he says. “She was our child and she was our putting her in a kennel if we went on a trip, so she went therapy, what“She she was did most for us was there. She with us,”but he says. our child and shebe was our therwould be there as we suffered the pain of infertility. She apy, but what she did most for us was be there. She would never spoke, she never gave advice, she never told us be there as we suffered the pain of infertility. She never she knew ‘how we felt.’ A lesson in unconditional love.” spoke, she never gave advice, she never told us she knew In time the couple’s problem was solved, and they ‘how we felt.’ A lesson in unconditional love.” were blessed with two wonderful children who came to In time the couple’s problem was solved, and they were love Sadie as much as their parents did. She was their blessed with two struggle wonderfulwith children who taught came tothem love first child. Their infertility Sadie as much as their parents did. She was their first the value of life, and Sadie taught them the value of child. Their struggle “being there.” with infertility taught them the value of life, and Sadie them “being there.” fixaYancey’staught devotion tothe hisvalue workof and a compulsive Yancey’s devotion to his work and a compulsive tion on doing everything in his power to help his fixation patients on doing everything in his power to help his patients has actually led to him being labeled “overcautious.”has actually ledadmits to himto being “overcautious. ” Hestems readily He readily this,labeled and that this tendency admits this,personal and that this tendencywith stems his own, from histoown, experience thefrom heartbreak personal experience with theofheartbreak of infertility. His of infertility. His treatment childless couples and his treatment of childless couples and his success in treating success in treating them means he has no interest in themnumbers. means he has no interest in case numbers. case “I’ve never never kept up with “I’ve with how how many manybabies babiesI’ve I’vedelivered delivbecause then they a number, ” he says.he says. ered because thenjust theybecome just become a number,” “Every itsown ownstory, story,life lifeand andfamily–not family--notjust a “Every delivery delivery isisits just a number.” number. ” He how infertility infertility infuses infusesits itsvictims victimswith witha He knows knows well well how alife lifeperspective perspective incomprehensible to those incomprehensible to those whowho havehave never never experienced it. experienced it. “This deepenedfor forme mebecause because a “This life life perspective perspective deepened ofof a yelyellow Labrador who provided comfort taught low Labrador who provided comfort andand taught empathy,” empathy,” he says. he says. At developedaatumor tumorthat thatslowly slowlycrippled cripAtage age 13, 13, Sadie Sadie developed pled her.she Asslipped she slipped Dr. Phillip her. As away, away, all Dr.all Phillip YanceyYancey could do could do was “be there” for her. He was. was “be there” for her. He was. For or to to contact contact Dr DrChristopher Christopher For more more information information or Yancey, call(903) (903)757-6042. 757-6042. Yancey, please please call
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