Month: September 2021

Evening Remembrance Ceremony

 Evening remembrance ceremony on Saturday, September 11, to be held on Harrison County Courthouse Square in Marshall, Texas to commemorate 20th Anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America

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This year marks the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States of America on September 11, 2001 in which 2,977 persons were killed in New York City, Washington D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The victims included 343 firefighters and 69 members of law enforcement and other first responders who perished that day.

To honor and remember those who were killed in the attacks 20 years ago, all firefighters, members of law enforcement, other first responders, and members of the public in Marshall and Harrison County are invited to a brief evening remembrance ceremony that will be held on the east parking lot of the 1901 Harrison County Courthouse Square at 7:30pm on Saturday, September 11, 2021.

Christina Anderson, who serves on the planning committee of the Harrison County Firefighters Association (HCFA) that coordinates the community prayer service each year, shared the following: “We want to make sure that everyone in our community is aware that the remembrance ceremony to honor those who lost their lives on September 11th will be held this year in the evening, rather than in the morning, as we have done in years past. Since it is the 20th anniversary, we wanted to plan a different type of remembrance ceremony which will include luminaria displayed around the historic Courthouse.”  

Danny Butler, Assistant Fire Chief of Harrison County Emergency Service District #2 in Nesbitt and member of the planning committee, explained that part of this year’s remembrance will be a beautiful display of luminaria, with battery-operated tea lights in white paper bags, all around the historic Courthouse.

Chief Butler explained: “We plan to have more than 300 luminaria displayed around the historic Courthouse to represent and honor the 343 firefighters and 69 members of law enforcement and other first responders who bravely answered the call that tragic day. Their heroism, and the heroism of others who responded that day, saved many, many lives. We must never forgot the sacrifices of that day 20 years ago.”

The Marshall Fire Department and Harrison County Emergency Service District #1 (West Harrison) are scheduled to each bring a ladder truck, between which the American flag will be flown for the ceremony.

The Harrison County Firefighters Association Honor Guard and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard will post the colors for the service.

Gary Smith, Fire Chief of Harrison County Emergency Service District #2 in Nesbitt also serves on the planning committee and explained that the remembrance service this year will also include the firefighters traditional Ringing of the Bell.

Chief Smith shared: “The Ringing of the Bell is designed to honor and pay respect to firefighters who have given their lives in the line of duty.”

He also shared that the ceremony will include a Remembrance Call that will be much like what is known as Last Call at a firefighter’s memorial service. It will also include the playing of a bagpiper’s rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

Dr. Eric Hillman, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at East Texas Baptist University, will play “Taps” for the ceremony. Dr. Hillman is a veteran of the Houston Police Department where he served as officer, sergeant, lieutenant, staff attorney, and police academy instructor.

The committee also explained that the ceremony will be brief this year due to the current increase in cases of COVID and the delta variant in Marshall and Harrison County. All safety protocols and guidelines will be followed in this outdoor ceremony.

The HCFA planning committee wishes to thank Harrison County for kindly providing the use of the grounds around the 1901 Harrison County Courthouse for the display of the luminaria and for the use of the east parking lot for the ceremony. They also wish to thank the City of Marshall for providing assistance with placing cones or small barriers to reserve the area just east of the parking lot for the ladder trucks to park on Bolivar Street.

The HCFA also wishes to thank Marshall Grave Service for underwriting the luminaria, Sullivan’s Funeral Home for providing the sound system for the ceremony, and Meadowbrook Funeral Home for printing the programs.

The committee also wishes to share their deep appreciation to the Chiefs and members of all Fire Departments, Police Departments, Sheriff’s Office, and other first responders in Marshall and Harrison County who will be participating. All are invited and all are invited to bring a vehicle from their department.

Ms. Anderson added:  “Just as we are profoundly grateful to those who currently serve or have served in our military to bravely protect our nation and our Constitution, we, as a community and as a country, are also profoundly grateful to all firefighters, members of law enforcement, and other first responders. They put their lives on the line each and every day to keep us safe.”

She continued: “This is particularly true in 2020 and 2021 since they, like other brave frontline workers, have served so selflessly during this dangerous pandemic.  Plus, with the devastation of Hurricane Ida and other such disasters, we’re continually reminded of how consequential their selfless and courageous work is day in and day out. We appreciate their sacrifice more than words could ever say and we thank them for what they do to protect us.”

The members of the Harrison County Firefighters Association ask that the community continue to keep all healthcare workers, first responders, and other frontline heroes in your prayers and do all that you can do to work together to stop the spread of the virus.

In addition to the victims who died on 9/11, also to be remembered are those brave first responders and other workers who helped with rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero in New York City where the Twin Towers had fallen. It has been estimated that more than 2,000 of those working at Ground Zero for the weeks and months following the attacks have died of illnesses related to the work at Ground Zero and thousands of others have battled illnesses connected with this heroic and difficult work. 

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Opinion: Old White Men Dictating To Women

 Opinion: Old White Men Dictating To Women

By George Smith  — September 2, 2021

What is it with men, mostly white old men, feeling a need to dictate to women what they can and cannot do with their  bodies?

The Texas abortion ban law is a blatant attempt of men telling women, “Your rights end at the end of my pen that writes laws.” The initial reluctance of the Supreme Court (5-4)  to overturn the case further divides this country. The issue will come back to the court in the near future.

Equality does not exist in this male dominated society; separation of church and state does not exist if biblical interpretations of specific “umbrella” scriptures —Thou shall not kill.” — are used as the basis for discriminatory laws.

What was the last law passed that took away a “right” of men? Can you remember any law that prohibited men from making a health decision made after consultation with their doctor AND their god?

Who are we to tell ANY WOMAN — or MAN — what they can do with their own body?

Asinine laws by do-gooder legislators will not prevent pregnancy termination; laws discriminating against women will only enhance the back alley abortion business and result in the unnecessary death of women.

The issue of abortion is one of the most divisive subjects and it doesn’t have to be.

Those who use the Bible as a reason to stop abortions on every level are cherry-picking scriptures.

The bible orders the death penalty for murder of a human being, but not for the expulsion of a fetus.

When does life begin?

According to the Bible, life begins at birth–when a baby draws its first breath. The bible defines life as “breath” in several significant passages, including the story of Adam’s creation in Genesis 2:7, when God “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Jewish law traditionally considers that personhood begins at birth.

What we all need to remember is that the key to understanding and love is kindness.

Ephesians 4:32. And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.

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PO Box 721

Scottsville TX 75688

Pioneer Days Ahead

 Pioneer Days Ahead

9/1/2021

Don’t be surprised if you feel your in a different century when you 

visit Jefferson, Texas this weekend, because its “back to the earliest days” as the community showcases what is hoped to be the 1st Annual Pioneer Days Festival, Sept. 4, 5 and 6.

Begun as a project when the Opera House Theatre Players, a local

community theatre, decided to bring in the world renown musical

group, The Sons of the Pioneers, for a concert on the Monday of

Labor Day weekend, the excitement and anticipation of such big name entertainment gave birth to the idea that the entire community could and should benefit from the extra visitors it would likely bring in.  Thats when the theatre board members put their ideas together and came up with an entire weekend of activities geared to not only attract attention for the concert but create a festival that would hold people in town for the last long weekend of the summer. 

After organizing a working committee made up of board members and community volunteers, the committee set about soliciting

donations and service donations to the non-profit group that

would fund an event of three days.  Theatre board president

Marcia Thomas said that “they have been greatly pleased and

gratified to see so many businesses and individuals were 

really interested in supporting Jefferson tourism with this

idea. We’ve been able to make it all free except the concert! 

The perfect event for all the family. We have been blessed!”

The festivities will begin on Saturday, Sept. 4, with a Parade

at 10 am that will be comprised of horseback riders, wagons 

and walkers in period costume.  One local resident, Howard

Blatch, will wear  an exact replica uniform worn on the Lewis

and Clark Expedition that started in 1803 to explore the

New Louisiana Purchase or The New Frontier. Another par-

ticipant will be the Bayou Trailblazers Trail Riding  Group

who will be in period costume as they ride. A covered 

wagon with costumed passengers is also expected to be

part of the parade.  A trophy and prize will be awarded to

the most authentic costume.

Following the parade at 11:30 the re-enactment of an 

historical shooting incident that occurred in the wagon

yard of downtown Jefferson in 1906 will be performed

in the spot where it actually happened.  Board member

Jim Blackburn will portray Sheriff Will S. Terry and

theatre member/actor Mark McKay will play the Deputy

who “went bad”, Charlie Proctor.  A narrator will read

briefly read the background of the shooting to the

audience and several theatre members will appear as

some of the citizens who witnessed the event,   The

idea to do the re-enactment came from Thomas who

had been told of the incident by her grandfather and

his twin brother many decades back.  The two were

witnesses of shooting as young teenagers.

At Noon to 12:30 pm, singer Ann Leslie of Marshall

will entertain with country songs at the Otstott Gazebo.

Ms. Leslie writes her own music and accompanies

herself with recorded background music geared for

all ages.

At 6 pm, the crowds will be steered toward the east

end block of Austin Street where a Street Dance 

will play until 8 pm with music by the award-winning

group Sheila and the Caddo Kats.  There will be some

seating available and beverages will be available from

nearby businesses.

On Sunday, Sept. 5, a Cook-Out with Barbeque and

Beans will be served beginning noon at the grassy 

riverfront area near the stagecoach and horse dis-

play courtesy of the Collins Institute. Entertainment

will begin about noon and continue until 4 pm.  Sche-

duled to perform are cowboy singer John Nance,

Ann Leslie and Riley Cox (pending availability).  The

Players are also squeezing in a brief audition period

beginning at 4:30 at the Visitor Bldg lobby front to

cast two upcoming productions.

Monday Sept. 6 is the date for the much-anticipated

concert by the fabulous and famous Sons of the Pioneers

who will present a show of just under 2 hrs followed by

an autograph and photo session with the audience.  The

groups latest CDs will also be available for purchase.

VIP tickets are sold out but some general seating tickets

at $25/person are still available online at 

http://www.JeffersonOperaHouseTheatrePlayers.com or at 

The Willow Tree 903-601-4515.  If there are any left, tickets

may be sold at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.

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The Josey Ranch and Its Competitors Don’t Hold Back

 The Josey Ranch and Its Competitors Don’t Hold Back at the Josey Jr World
The Josey Ranch continues to bring in the best from around the world for the 41st Annual Josey Jr. World

MARSHALL, TX – While most sporting events around the world are seeing a decline in participation and attendance, the 41st Annual Josey Jr. World continued to be a “Must Go To” event in barrel racing as 294 contestants from 16 states competed to take home the title in Marshall, Texas on August 13-15. This annual event is the oldest open to the world youth barrel race and has attracted top youth competitors who have gone on to have successful careers in the sport.

The Josey Jr. World is open to barrel racers 20 years old and under and runs in a 4D (or Divisional) format, which allows every competitor an opportunity to earn money. For all of the Josey events, the format for the qualifying rounds is to drag every five draws, big pack every 50, and reverse the order for the second go so that every competitor has an equal opportunity on the ground. The Joseys set the standard when it comes to taking care of the ground for its competitors.

The Med Vet Pharmaceuticals 1st go on Friday and AIP Energy 2nd go on Saturday were qualifying rounds giving each contestant two chances to make it to the Big Tex Championship SHOOT OUT on Sunday. Tristan Bowles from Gainesville, Texas riding Short Okie Lena placed sixth in the Second Go on Saturday with 16.474 before taking the 1D title on Sunday with a time of 16.097. Eight-year-old Charlie Raye Sohrt from Manvel, Texas had the fastest time on Friday before finishing reserve champion on Little Dash Priest with a time of 16.239 on Sunday.

Mckenna Caudle from Horatio, Arkansas finished first in the 2D riding Toxic Tango with a 16.625, Faith Terry from New Waverly, Texas finished first in the 3D riding Mr JB 118 with a time of 17.105 and Kalyn Albright from Tomball, Texas riding Blue Eyed Beauty finished first in the 4D with a time of 18.163.

Last year’s Josey Jr. World winner, Mallory McGee, qualified in the first go with a fast time of 16.395 for the finals on Sunday, but took a no time with a barrel down. Watching her ride was an inspiration to everyone in attendance as she is currently suffering from an eye injury that has left her legally blind.  

“It’s incredible to see a competitor like Mallory fight through the challenges that have been coming at her over the last year,” Martha said. “We are proud to call her a Josey kid.” 

With Great sponsors like AIP Energy, Wards Restaurants, Draw it Out, Davis Chemical, and Pietro’s Pizza of Marshall contestants ran for a $10,000 added money barrel race.  Support of national and local sponsors like Big Tex Trailers, Circle Y Saddles, Med Vet Pharmaceuticals, Purina, Priefert Ranch and Rodeo Equipment, and the Marshall/Harrison County Chamber of Commerce Martha and R.E. Josey had many super prizes this year. Plus, a Big Tex Trailer was awarded to the 1D winner, with a Circle Y Saddle, Shea Michelle custom belt buckle, an American hat, and 500 pounds of Purina feed given to each of the D winners. They also received other sponsor prizes from Med Vet Pharmaceuticals (MVP), custom 5 Star saddle pads, Draw It Out product, Flair Strips, and much more.

Four more competitors also came out winners as recipients of the annual scholarships awarded during the Josey Jr. World. The Carol Hall Adams Scholarship was given to Jasleigh Montagne, with Sarah Buck earning the Josey Ranch Scholarship and Aly Jurica receiving the Joyce Barney Scholarship, and the Shirley Webb Scholarship was awarded to Kaitlyn Foster. The recipient of the annual “Mom Arthur” award that honors Martha’s mother, was presented to Jami Kay Garrison by Oakley Kay Ellis. The final award was the “Cebe Reed Horse with the Most Heart” honoring Martha’s great horse Cebe Reed, who won 52 consecutive barrel races and seven horse trailers. The choices were so difficult this year the committee decided to honor two great horses.  The winners this year were Little Man owned and ridden by Hadlee Huckabee from De Berry, Texas and Little Dash Priest (AKA Snoopy) owned and ridden by Charley Raye Sohrt of Manuel, Texas.

There’s always more than just world class competition at the Josey Jr. World.  On Friday night former Josey student and former Jr. World competitor, and the youngest NBHA world champion barrel racer, Chancie Neal, took the stage on Friday night to put on a show for the competitors, their families and the Marshall community. Neal is a platinum-selling songwriter, opened for Luke Bryan for seven years and is featured on his current album that was nominated for an ACM Award. She kicked off her show with her signature song, “Rodeo Money”, but it wasn’t her typical performance when she was joined on stage by the voice of the Josey Ranch, Randy Adams, who is featured on the recorded version of the song. Adams wowed the crowd, and Neal, when he provided live calls during the song that were reminiscent of Neal’s days running barrels on the ranch. Neal later called her sister, Chesnie, up on the stage to play guitar and sing one of their favorite songs, “Mammas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys”.

Following in her sister’s footsteps in music and barrel racing, Chesnie qualified for the finals on Sunday.

“I grew up on the Josey Ranch, so this will always be home to me,” Neal said. “What I learned from Mrs. Martha and R.E. not only taught me how to be a champion barrel racer, but a champion in life.”

In addition to the concert that was held during the Fish Fry, the Josey Ranch staff kept everyone entertained throughout the weekend with activities for the whole family, including the NBHA stick horse barrel race, Rope and Run competition, Draw it Out Pony Race, and the hula hoop contest.  More fun was provided by the special guest of the weekend, Abby Poole, Miss Rodeo Texas Teen who also presented the flag during the National Anthem each day. With everything going on at the ranch, visitors were able to unplug from the world to enjoy time with the people around them because when you come to the ranch, you become part of the Josey Family. 

Plans are underway for the 42nd annual Josey Jr. World with the event moving back to the traditional time in May of 2022.

For complete results of the 2021 Josey Jr. World, please visit http://www.barrelracers.com.   

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PO Box 721

Scottsville TX 75688

CORONAVIRUS INFO PROVIDED BY DR. JIM HARRIS – 09/1/2021

CORONAVIRUS INFO PROVIDED BY DR. JIM HARRIS – 09/1/2021

HOW DO WE COMPARE TO OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEW ACTIVE CASES PER 100,000 POPULATION:

NEED A VACCINATION? CALL 903 938 8338. LISTEN TO A RECORDING FROM THE MARSHALL HARRISON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT WHICH TELLS YOU WHERE AND  WHEN TO COME. Vaccinations are FREE. You need an ID card with your name on it. Any kind of card will do. No hassle. No charge. Spanish spoken. Not crowded. Professionally done under ideal conditions. Do you need your company employees vaccinated? Your church? Your poker club? The Health Department will help you set up injections at your business. You need to take your vaccination card, but, as one careless old doctor found out, lost cards can be replaced. There is virtually no valid reason or excuse not to be vaccinated. You might still get a mild case of Covid, especially when the Variants like Delta are plaguing the area — but you are unlikely to wind up on a respirator or stacked in a refrigerated truck with the bodies of your careless friends. Am I wrong or do the pictures in the obits in the papers seem to feature a plethora of rugged, outdoor, self-sufficient folks who “don’t need to take no damn shots?”

 CHRISTUS HOSPITALS VACCINATION SCHEDULER

https://vaccinate.christushealth.org/4

 MOST DRUG STORES: CALL OR GO TO THEIR WEBSITES

FROM NYT TODAY:

1. 180 cases are traced to a church camp and conference that didn’t require vaccinations or testing, the C.D.C. says.

(29/180 had been vaccinated. No deaths. 5 hospitalized. It’s too soon to tell if there will be any permanent harm or Long Covid. It’s lucky they didn’t kill Grandma — but, well, she’s old and all that.)

2. Pennsylvania’s governor announces a mask requirement for schools.

FROM CDC: MMWR: 

1. New COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations Among Adults, by Vaccination Status — New York, May 3–July 25, 2021

”…This study’s findings suggest currently available vaccines have high effectiveness for preventing laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 hospitalization. However, VE against infection appears to have declined in recent months in New York, coinciding with a period of easing societal public health restrictions††† and increasing Delta variant circulation (8). These findings support a multipronged approach to reducing new COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases, centered on vaccination, and including other approaches such as masking and physical distancing.

2. SARS-CoV-2 Infections and Hospitalizations Among Persons Aged ≥16 Years, by Vaccination Status — Los Angeles County, California, May 1–July 25, 2021 During May 1–July 25, 2021, among 43,127 SARS-CoV-2 infections in residents of Los Angeles County, California, 10,895 (25.3%) were in fully vaccinated persons, 1,431 (3.3%) were in partially vaccinated persons, and 30,801 (71.4%) were in unvaccinated persons. On July 25, infection and hospitalization rates among unvaccinated persons were 4.9 and 29.2 times, respectively, those in fully vaccinated persons. In July, when the Delta variant was predominant, cycle threshold values were similar for unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, and vaccinated persons. (CDC MMWR, 8/27/2021)

FROM HOPKINS:

1. Immunity To COVID-19 Could Last Longer Than You’d Think (NPR) All around the world, there seem to be signs that immunity to SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19, doesn’t last very long after you’re vaccinated. Israel is now having one of the world’s worst COVID-19 surges about five months after vaccinating a majority of its population. And in the U.S., health officials are recommending a booster shot eight months after the original vaccine course. So, how long does immunity last after two doses of the vaccine? Six months or so? And at that point, how much protection is left over?(Some Repetition here.)

2.  Outbreak Associated with SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) Variant in an Elementary School — Marin County, California, May–June 2021

”…The two classrooms were separated by a large outdoor courtyard with lunch tables that were blocked off from use with yellow tape. All classrooms had portable high-efficiency particulate air filters and doors and windows were left open…’

(J. Harris: This is a good quick read and has made news all week. I envy neither teachers nor students right now. )

Area Schools Covid through Aug 22 ATTACHED

LAST BUT NOT LEASED:

It turns out that being an adult now is mostly just googling how to do stuff.

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