NETX Crossroads February 2020 by Fox Press

C NETX

ROSSROADS

Pam Kumpe

Living a life of service page 4

Mooreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stories

WWII veteran looks back page 10

A Trace Across Texas page 12

MAGAZINE

Doug Sibley Memorial 5K Run

page 16

Pittsburg Hot Link Festival page 22

... and more!

About the Cover

FEBRUARY 2020

Jansen Savage, Caidyn Hockman, and Asher Savage enjoy racing down the sidewalks of Daingerfield during an event last fall. Photo by Toni Walker

Texarkana College

S D A O R S S RO

CONTENTS

NETX

E MAGAZIN

pe Pam lifKeuofm service Living a page 4

Moore’s StoIIrveieteras n looks back WW

page 10

A Trace xas Across Te

ley Doug Sibrial o m e M 5K Run

Top Dogs

page 16

Pittsburg Hot Linkl Festiva

page 22

re! ... and mo

page 12

Beers blazes a trail in Atlanta

Peonies Skin Care

NETX

ROSSROADS Published and distributed by

MAGAZINE

Northeast Texas Publishing, LP in Bowie, Camp, Cass, Gregg, Morris, Titus and Upshur counties.

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Di Duncan Tim Emmons Jamie Jeans Kenny Mitchell Miranda Oglesby Toni Walker

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Di Duncan Tim Emmons Ellis Knox Miranda Oglesby Lynda Stringer Toni Walker

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Joni Guess

Announces its plan to include the

Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) – Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) Expansion. In September 2019, the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) awarded a grant to Dr. Jean Latortue at the Franklin County Rural Health Clinic in Mount Vernon, Texas. The grant, the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program – Medically Assisted Treatment Expansion (RCORP-MAT) was also awarded to eleven other awardees across the nation, and only one in the State of Texas. The grant will be used for the prevention, treatment and recovery of Substance Use Disorders and Opioid Use Disorders in Franklin, Titus, and Morris Counties. To combat the opioid epidemic in East Texas, Dr. Latorue will not use a “one-size fits all” approach to designing and implementing treatment services. Rather, he will use general principles, models, and strategies drawn from a broad range of resources to implement a system that meets the needs of the local communities in a sustainable manner. People with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) rarely use a single substance. The type, amount, and method of substance use may vary over time. In the context of the national crisis of opioid use and overdose deaths, identifying and treating Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) has become the focus point around which program planning and responses are organized. In assessing our communities through the lens of OUD and the problems related to other substances, alcohol issues become obvious. But the ravages of methamphetamine lurk, and the East Texas region has seen the specter of its return. To reduce mortality from OUD in our community, our treatment system needs to provide medication for OUD treatment. FDA-approved medications, buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone, reduce substance use. The OUD treatment delivered in our primary care will typically rely upon buprenorphine because of the regulations that apply to methadone and the need to be completely free of opioids for at least 7-10 days before naltrexone can be started. The model that the Franklin County Rural Health Clinic will use is a blend of practice-based and system-based. The Clinic has a partnership with the Titus Regional Medical Center in Mt. Pleasant, for outpatient needs and with Glen Oaks Hospital in Greenville, Texas for inpatient needs. The Clinic has been approved as a Loan Repayment site by the National Health Service Corps (NHSC). In addition, Dr. Latortue’s approach to clinical care includes a comprehensive approach with Behavioral Health, Social Needs Analysis, Counseling, and provide wraparound services whereby the patient’s treatment would be determined by the severity of the assessment with the overall objective to be that the patient is drug-free. Dr. Latortue has been delivering care to the people of Northeast Texas since 2007. He has a staff of 16 who are dedicated and caring, a tribute to his leadership style. His patients love his bedside manner and the compassionate care that they receive from him. He states, “Patients come to us, and they are pleased, so they send their family members and friends as well.” I want our community members to have the best healthcare services possible that I can bring them.” That is our goal.

For referrals or to make an appointment, please contact us at 903-537-8222 • Fax 903-537-8223 For more information, contact Beverly Austin, Project Director at 903-305-2277 • baustin@fcrhc.com • www.fcrhc.com Dr. Latortue has been delivering care to the people of Northeast Texas since 2007. His staff of 16 are dedicated and caring, which is a credit to Dr. Latortue’s leadership style. His patients love his bedside manner and the compassionate care that they receive from him. Dr Latortue states, “Patients come to us, and they are pleased, so they send their family members and friends, too.”

“I want our our community residents to have the best healthcare services possible that I can bring them.”

Pam Kumpe Living a Life of Service

Bowie County woman gives her life and talents for those less fortunate

KENNY MITCHELL

here is a woman in Bowie County that has so many facets to her life now, that some days she really doesn’t know who she is or where she is going. She is an author, speaker and teacher, and minister of the gospel, a comforter for the hurting, and to many, she is the lady with the Gatorade. My friend, Pam Kumpe, spends her days making life just a little bit easier for complete strangers, in fact, she has never met a stranger. You can find her throughout the week in the homeless tent camps of Texarkana, at a church service for a drug rehab center, or simply driving up and down the streets of Texarkana looking for a soul to mend with kindness. She has also been on mission trips to other lands spreading her love for others. Five years ago this month she was in the devastated country of Haiti with a group from DeKalb. She said of that trip, “I watched a new church go up in Haiti, and then seeing and being a part of worshiping inside the walls even though the roof and floor were not in place, revealed hearts of joy and hope rising up in their lives. Yes, hope rose up in my heart, too.” Pam is the personification of every Bible verse that speaks of doing for others with no thought of gain, she is an angel to those 4

FEBRUARY 2020

less fortunate that might pass her way, she is quite simply, kind. For many years she has been a mainstay at Texarkana’s Church Under the Bridge, a Saturday morning church service for the homeless population of the area, actually held along a creek under a busy roadway bridge. If you ask her to describe herself, she says, “I’m an author, speaker, and teacher for the Lord. I’m saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. I’m broken, and I’m messy. I’m also blonde. Need I say more? I spend many Saturdays at Church under the Bridge, and I love to do street ministry. I hold a church service drug rehab center where 100 ladies are preparing for their future with new goals. I also serve in prison ministry. And I’m your friend in Christ.” And yes, that is the best way to describe Pam Kumpe, a friend to all. As far as being an author, Kumpe writes with passion about the human condition, with stories that pull on our heart strings, make us think about being better humans, and lead us to the answers that plague so many people in regards to what is really important in life. Her book series, The Annie Grace Kree Chronicles, take the reader through the life and times of a young girl trying to find her way in a harsh world, all the while dealing with Texarkana’s NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

Phantom Killer. It is a six book set that will keep your attention from Page One of the first book to the last page of the last book. The Annie Grace Kree Chronicles include, in order, Untied Shoelace, Unknown Soul, Rescue of Undaunted Spirit, Unwanted Sidekick, and Unwavering Hope. And the last one, which can be read as a standalone is Unshackled Courage. Kumpe has also penned a trio of books about her street ministry. They are A View from the Heart, My View from the Bridge, and My View from the Street. Each one are up close looks at life on the streets and Kumpe’s heartfelt journey to help Bowie County’s homeless population. Not to be always serious, Kumpe has also authored lighthearted

NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

books for both adults and children. See You in the Funny Paper and A Scoop of Inspiration are fun/lighthearted devotionals that will make you laugh and smile, and her two children’s books In the Lick of Time and A Goat with a Tote, are must have for the children in your home. Kumpe is a rare gem in a world full of war, crime, prejudice and hate, and a treasure that Bowie County greatly needs. Ever humble about the work she does, Pam states, “There’s a verse in Psalm 92: 12 that says the righteous will flourish like a palm tree. My prayer is that my life is one of righteousness, although, I know I have a long way to go.” To find out more about Kumpe, you can check out her website at pamkumpe.com and all of her books are available on Amazon.

FEBRUARY 2020

A brighter financial future starts with choosing an occupation goal Training at Texarkana College helps you reach your earning potential

reams of a brighter future can become reality if you set personal goals and take steps toward reaching them. One of the biggest life decisions you’ll make is choosing your occupational goals. Whether you are entering the workforce for the first time or looking to make a career change, there’s help available to you for your transition. Texarkana College is a great place to start when seeking training for a career with a solid financial future. Texarkana College aligns training programs with regional employers’ needs for skilled and trained workers. Many of TC’s training programs can be completed in a year or less and will help you land the job you want with options for future advancement and higher pay. The Texas Workforce Commission identifies jobs that are in “high demand” and are experiencing a shortage in available skilled workers. TWC’s November 2019 report listed the following career fields as high-demand occupations with a growth outlook through the year 2026: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Nursing- RN, LVN and CNA EMT and Paramedics Pharmacy Technicians Office Careers/Bookkeeping/Medical Office Procedures Construction Technology/ Carpenters Electricians Automotive Body Technicians Automotive Service Techs and Mechanics Diesel Engine Specialists Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Industrial Machinery Mechanics Computer-Controlled Machine Operators/Machinists Welders Truck Drivers- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Drivers

The good news is that Texarkana College offers training programs in all these fields. Brandon Washington, TC’s Dean of Workforce 6

FEBRUARY 2020

and Community & Business Education, said students who enroll in courses at TC get the advantage of training in programs with customized curriculum designed by regional employers to meet their workforce needs. “We have a high percentage of students who graduate with a job already lined up because the employers have helped us design curriculum,” Washington said. “Not only does TC prepare students by teaching skills needed for success in their chosen field, but we place students in internships and externships to help them transition out of college into being gainfully employed.” Washington said many of TC’s technology programs are recognized by national industry leaders, and students are trained with proprietary curriculum. “Several TC programs are endorsed by industry leaders including Ford Motor Company, CAT Engines, Allison Transmissions, and Cooper Tire, just to name a few,” Washington said. “We have human resources directors for companies calling us every day asking if we have students ready to go to work for them. Employers have confidence in our curriculum, and students who successfully complete training programs are in high demand for hire.” TC’s Associate Degree Nursing program was the first established program of its kind in Texas and continues to be the largest nursing school in Northeast Texas. Health Sciences Dean Courtney Shoalmire said TC nursing graduates are in high demand for employment by regional hospitals and doctor’s offices. “TC nursing students participate in rigorous and thorough training programs that provide them with superior knowledge and skills to pass their credentialing exam and handle the most complex situations in clinical settings,” said Shoalmire. “Our school’s reputation is widely recognized throughout Northeast Texas for preparing top-performing nurses. As a nursing student at TC, you have access to preferred clinical rotations and seasoned professors who have many years of experience in the field. Our students have jobs waiting for them upon successful completion of their training program and credentialing.” NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

Texarkana College also trains students who want to earn academic degrees that transfer to a university toward credit for a bachelor’s degree. TC’s Vice President of Instruction Dr. Donna McDaniel said students who choose Texarkana College as their path toward earning a higher education credential save thousands of dollars in tuition and fees over what it would cost if they attended all four years at a university. “On average, TC costs $5,000 less per year than the average 4-year university tuition and fees,” said McDaniel. “Saving students money and time are some of the best reasons to consider TC over other options. Our faculty and staff advise students on how to stay focused on their end goal to complete faster and with less debt than other options. TC ranks number one in the state of Texas for community college student completion rates, and we are so proud of that success!” McDaniel said that financial aid is available for most TC students to help them afford college. “More than 75% of our students receive some type of financial aid,” said McDaniel. “We awarded more than $400,000 in scholarships in 2019, and we are on track to do the same this year. We encourage current high school seniors to apply for the TC Presidential Scholarship, which provides funding for full tuition and fees for up to two years. This program has been a game-changer for students who have worked hard in high school by rewarding them for their dedication to academic success. The scholarship application for fall 2020’s Presidential Scholarship is available online on TC’s website.” McDaniel said other information and tools to help students navi-

gate the admissions and enrollment process are available on the TC website. “I love to direct students to a tool we offer called Career Coach,” said McDaniel. “On this site, you can take a quick survey that helps guide you toward a career that is in high-demand and suits your interests. There’s an option for a quick, six-question survey, or a longer, more in-depth survey that really helps identify your strengths and weaknesses and interests. The results show you several options for careers and the recommended training for each. It’s helped hundreds of students decide on a major, one of the most difficult steps in starting college.” Career Coach tool can be found on the TC website at https://www. texarkanacollege.edu/careercoach. Texarkana College is a public two-year community college with the mission of advancing the community through attainable higher education and lifelong learning. Founded in 1927, the College serves more than 8,000 students annually on its main campus located at 2500 N. Robison Road in Texarkana, TX, and through dual credit programs offered at regional high schools. TC also has a learning site located at the TexAmericas Center in New Boston, TX providing easy access to training programs for western Bowie County residents. TC offers 26 academic degree programs for university transfer and 12 unique workforce training programs that provide skills training to quickly enter the workforce. TC also offers Community and Business Education programs designed to meet employer and personal enrichment needs.

F I T CO L L E G E I N TO YO U R B U SY L I F E . Earn your associate degree in general studies 100% online at Texarkana College. Learn more at www.texarkanacollege.edu/onlinedegree

TC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs or activities. The following person is designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Human Resources Director, 2500 N. Robison Rd., Texarkana, TX, 75599 or (903) 823-3017 human.resources@texarkanacollege.edu

NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

(903) 823-3012 2500 N. ROBISON RD. TEXARKANA, TEXAS FEBRUARY 2020

TOP DOGS School district unveils early learning center

Students’ artwork lines the hallway near the center’s front doors.

Story & photo by

MIRANDA OGLESBY

arts Bluff ISD, located in Mount Pleasant, is making a lot of changes with its campus, and district, as a whole. On Jan. 16, the district hosted a grand opening for its new early learning center, which will house their pre-k and kindergarten students. “I am very pleased that the school board took this initiative to open this wonderful school building for the students of Harts Bluff,” said the district’s superintendent Bobby Rice. “It is built around two distinguishing characteristics both formulated by board president, Dr. J Colton Bradshaw; that of the Little Red Schoolhouse exterior 8

FEBRUARY 2020

and that of a commons area/collaboration area on the interior. It is a building that is inviting to kids and promotes the educational process. I am very glad to have been a part of the process of making improvements for the students of Harts Bluff ISD.” It’s not the only big change coming to HBISD. The district, which serves students up to eighth grade, will be introducing its Early College High School later this year. Last spring, the district got the go-ahead from the Texas Education Agency to add the unique high school. This school year is a planning year, and the 2020-2021 year will add the freshman class, adding a new class each year until twelfth grade is reached. NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

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Moore’s Stories WWII VETERAN LOOKS BACK

Moore at age 19.

Ellis Moore is a Northeast Texas native and WWII Vet.

MIRANDA OGLESBY

orld War II Veteran and northeast Texas native Ellis Moore was just 19-years-old when he joined the military. “I went in the Navy in 1943, I took my training in Corpus Christi, I went from Corpus Christi to Chincoteague Island, Virginia as a holding center. They asked one day if anybody wanted to go to sea, and I said ‘yes, I do.’” They had just built the USS Midway. At the time, the flat top was the largest ship in the world. “They wanted a crew to go aboard that ship in Long Island, New York, and go all the way down the east coast down to Florida, just checking everything out,” he said. “It was quite an experience.” After he returned, he was sent to USS Augusta, President Harry S. Truman’s flagship. “That was an honor to get to serve on his flagship,” Moore said. “We moved him around everywhere he wanted to go.” Germany had surrendered, but the U.S. was still at war with Japan. Pearl Harbor had been bombed. Moore said the United States

FEBRUARY 2020

was afraid that they were going to enter the country. “We took Harry Truman and his staff to Portsmouth, England, and we didn’t know what for,” he said. “He went over there and met with Churchill and Stalin.” There, the three leaders met to decide what to do with Japan. “We didn’t know what he went there for, but we found out later – the United States had just invented the atomic bomb,” he said. “Well, they knew the United States was going to lose a lot of soldiers, a lot of sailors if we got in a battle with Japan. So they agreed to drop the bomb.” On the way back from Portsmouth, England, President Truman called the order to the Airforce to make ready, and the bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. “Of course, we didn’t know, the average sailor didn’t know until later,” Moore said. “But they loaded up that big bomb and dropped it on Hiroshima. They also dropped another one.” Japan immediately surrendered. NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

“That atomic bomb destroyed everything for miles around it. That ended the war. The war was over. I never will forget that,” Moore said. Moore recounted a trip to France to pick up soldiers to bring back to the United States. “About 100 miles out from Le Havre, France, we hit a mine,” he said. “The minesweepers had been in there sweeping up the mines after the war ended with Germany, but they missed one, and we got it.” The bomb had created a large hole in the ship. “I think about this a lot; we all could have lost our lives because we were taking on water big time,” he said. “The only thing that saved us - the watertight door was closed.” They received orders from Washington to turn around and go to England. It took three months to fix the ship - the crew stayed in England. “I tell you what - the crew didn’t have anything to do,” he said. “We went to London every night,” Moore said. “At this part of the story, we had a lot of fun.” After the ship was fixed, Moore returned to Long Island. “The war was over, and I helped decommission that ship, USS heavy cruiser Augusta,” he said. Moore was honorably discharged in 1946. “I was so happy to get back home,” he said. He lived in Red River County for a while, and later worked at Lone Star Steel. Now 95, Moore lives in Mount Pleasant. “My war business was over, and I was so thankful,” he said.

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FEBRUARY 2020

A Trace Across

TEXAS By

JAMIE JEANS

exas, in the very early 1800s, was a lawless land. Those traveling from the north into Texas risked being robbed, kidnapped, and even killed. It was obvious to all who traveled from the north, carrying goods to trade with the Spanish, that something must be done. Money, time, goods, and lives were being lost to roving gangs of bandits. Nicholas Trammel was a man of many hats. Trammel was an interpreter, surveyor, capitalist, tradesman, horse racer, explorer, adventurer, and most importantly, a man with itchy feet. He was known to have operated farms, taverns, horse-trading operations, and ferries along the Guadalupe, White, and Red Rivers in both Texas and Arkansas. It is also rumored that Trammel had his hands in some shady dealings such as horse theft, horse racing, and gambling operations, though there is no real credible evidence to support these claims. Full of wanderlust, Trammel set up his base of operations on the White River crossing of the Southwest Trail. From there he roamed the land, eventually opening the Southwest Trail to the Ouachita River by 1811. Trammel placed his business interests on pause to fight in the War of 1812 where he served under B. F. McFarland and undertook scouting duties for other units. As for his namesake trace? That started in the town of Fulton in Arkansas. More specifically, it starts at what is known as the Great Bend of the Red River. From there the trace blazes its way across Arkansas and enters Texas only a few miles north of Texarkana. From there it continues running southwest. Not far from the town of Naples, Texas, Trammel’s Trace takes a turn and heads south. It

FEBRUARY 2020

is also worth noting that at this point the trace also branches off and heads to what was then the Jonesboro and Pecan Point settlements. The 180-mile long route came to an end in Nacogdoches at the El Camino Real, also known as the Old San Antonio Road, which ran east and west. The trace played a key role in much of the trade and early migration in what would one day become the State of Texas. It allowed safer travels to key locations and allowed for settlers to lay roots down along the route and establish communities and towns that were both a benefit to and benefited from those who traveled the trace. Indeed those whose families have called areas along it home since the early 1800s may consider that their ancestors took the trace into Texas. In Cass County, Trammel’s Trace can still be seen in some places. Landowners have found ruts running along their land leaving a lasting impression of a road full of possibilities. The trace also passes through the edge of Hughes Springs and near the town of Avenger. It’s not just in Cass County that traces of the old trace can still be found. Landowners and those known as “rut nuts” have found many sites where the ruts of Trammel’s Trace can still be seen. Remains of the trace have also been found in Bowie, Marion, Harrison, Rusk, Panola, and Nacogdoches counties. These are the ruts that famous Texans such as James Bowie, Stephen F. Austin, who himself led 300 families into the region in 1825, and even Davy Crockett once traveled along. These are the ruts that carried the King of the Wild Frontier, the first President of Texas, and the Father of Texas towards their ultimate destinies. NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

Not long after Trammel finished his famous trace, he moved his family to the Nacogdoches area. He was very active around this area. He bought land along the Trinity River at the crossing of the Old San Antonio Road and maintained a ferry. Trammel returned to where many of his family resided, Hempstead County, Arkansas. He took up his previous life as a trader and tavern keeper. While he blazed several more routes east of the Red River, only one bears his name, Trammel’s Trace. During the Mexican War, state volunteers who were gathered into ten companies were led southward by “old Nick Trammel.” After the war, he led many of his family members back to Texas. Nicholas Trammel passed away in 1856 in Gonzales County. He was survived by eight children, six by his first wife and two by his second, and many grandchildren living in locals all across the frontier. For those who enjoy a fun and interesting road trip, it isn’t really possible to follow the whole trail. However, it is possible to go on an approximate route. Starting in Fulton, Arkansas, take US 67 all the way through Texarkana and on to Maud. Once in Maud, turn south onto TX 8 all the way to Linden. Once in Linden, head south on US 59 through Jefferson and on to Marshall. Head south on US 59 in Marshall to Tatum. Take FM 3231 County Line Road just after Tatum. FM 3231 ends at FM 1251. Take FM 1251 east to US 79. Head west on US 79 to FM 1798 and head south to US 259. Finally, take US 259 south to Nacogdoches and take Business US 259 into town. The history and communities one can encounter along the trace really bring one closer to the heart of Texas.

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Beers blazes a trail in Atlanta Story & photo by

TIM EMMONS

Atlanta postman Greg Beers rides through the trees on his man-made trail located near the Atlanta ball fields.

FEBRUARY 2020

Greg Beers is your local, friendly postman by day but after clocking out from work Beers takes on the persona of a rugged individualist. On good days you can find Beers biking or running a 6.3 mile trail he has cleared off in the area close to the pond off of Sportsplex Drive. Beers, who has worked for the Postal Service for more than 30 years, took it upon himself to clear away several rotten trees and forest debris to make a trail that is not for your usual leisure ride or hike. “Before you tackle this trail it is good to build up your strength because there are a lot of hills and climbs to make,” Beers remarked. “It is not a recreational ride or hike and any novice needs to be prepared for this trail before giving it a try.” The trail offers some smooth rides, hard climbs and demands your attention at every turn. “You can’t get bored or daydream on this trail because there are so many rocks, roots, hills, curves, sharp turns and trees to watch out for,” Beers noted. “The last three miles are the hardest with great, hard climbs so you get a really good work out.” Nothing about the trail seems easy especially having to clear it off when storms NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

roll through the area or the summer heat causes excess growth in plants, limbs and bushes. “It took me six months to clear off the trail in the beginning stages, and I had little to no help most of the times,” Beers said. “The upkeep is hard when you are clearing more than six miles by yourself .I would often use my lunch breaks to clear the trail and a lot of time after work most days.” Beers used a trail close to home in his spare time for riding and hiking, and eventually had the thought of maybe having a trail closer to work that he could ride on. “I thought that it would be nice to have something closer to work so I could use some of my lunch breaks to bike the trail or when I got off I could hit the trail for a longer usage of my time instead of driving all the way home,” Beers noted. “I found the spot by the pond out here near the baseball fields and asked the city if I could clear a trail here. They told me as long as others could take to it, that it would be fine.” The trail is uniquely marked along every mile and even has lines on the road to guide you through the six mile monster trail. “You start at the cul-de-sac which is marked by a trail sign by the pond and the trail winds around and crosses the main road four times and ends as you come around the pond on the opposite side of the cul-de-sac,” Beers said. “The farthest point you will go is the Mattie Lanier Richie Center and you can get off of the trail any time you want to as you cross the road, but after you get on the back three miles you are pretty much stuck on the trail until you come out on the other side of the cul-de-sac.” Beers warns that if you are hiking the trail to bring mosquito repel-

lent in the warm months, always wear a helmet when riding and bring water to replenish you when needed. Beers has a hand-made custom bike that weighs up to 10 pounds less than ordinary bikes and feels that this can be a plus when riding a hard trail like this. “When you have a heavy bike you are pulling yourself and the bike uphill, so you are working just as hard to get up those hills,” Beers commented. There is also the feel of safety on trails compared to riding your bike on side of the road. “The trail may be a challenge but it’s definitely safer than riding out where you have the possibility of being hit by a careless driver,” Beers mentioned. “I don’t listen to music while I ride because I like to hear what’s going on around me, but for those who do I think trails can be much safer to ride on opposed to roadways.” Beers concluded with his desire to make the public aware of the trail so that it can be used more often. “If more people used the trail it would make a permanent impression on the landscape and there wouldn’t be much that needed to clear off,” Beers said. “If anyone has any questions or would like me to ride the trail with them they can swing by the Atlanta Post Office and I will be glad to talk with them.” If you are coming from Atlanta take FM 785 (Lindsey Lane) and head towards Queen City. About half a mile take a left onto Sportsplex Drive then take the first right you come to. If you are coming from Queen City you will turn right onto Sportsplex Drive then take the first right you come to.

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Annual run continues to honor former track coach Story & photos by

TONI WALKER

t can be hard to measure the impact a coach has on the players he or she reaches. It is equally as difficult to find a way to honor a particular coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impact after they are gone. The Sibley family, however, has found the perfect way to honor the late Doug Sibley, and they have been doing so for 10 years. Coach Doug Sibley moved his family to Omaha in the fall of 1980. It was at that time that he took a job at Paul H. Pewitt High School where he served as the defensive Coordinator for varsity football and the assistant basketball coach. Coach Sibley, an avid runner, also served as the head high school track and field coach. He held his position as a teacher and coach at Pewitt High School for 22 years prior to his passing on Dec. 11, 2001 from a massive stroke. After his death, his widow, Linda, and children Sonya, Derick and Shane began the Doug Sibley Memorial Scholarship in 2002 in order to give back to the community he loved so much. Each year, a scholarship is given to a male athlete who exhibits the qualities that Coach Sibley looked for, and expected, in his athletes. Coach Sibley had a passion for running, and his family recalls his daily 4 mile run each morning around Omaha. It was that

FEBRUARY 2020

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passion that led the family to begin the Doug Sibley Memorial Scholarship Fun Run in 2011, originally following Coach Sibley’s trek around town. Over the past 10 years, the race has seen some changes, such as adding a one-mile run geared toward the younger runners to go along with the regular 5K fun run. As it has grown in popularity, the race has been put on a USA Track & Field Certified Course. That change came about in 2016. The race is held every year on the third Saturday in March, and this year’s event will be no different in that respect. All proceeds from the run will be put into the Doug Sibley Memorial Scholarship fund. The scholarship has provided muchneeded help for young student-athletes , having given out more than $32,00 since its inception to help those looking to further their education. “Doug was a very understanding and compassionate man, who kids would turn to turn to for guidance,” his wife Linda fondly recalled. “He believed every kid had a chance, if just given the opportunity.” Many past scholarship recipients have reached out to Coach Sibley’s family with what the scholarship meant to them. Most all have reiterated the same sentiment: that receiving the scholarship was a big help in continuing their education. Job Bautista, the 2017 recipient, shared how the scholarship helped pay for his books. “Receiving the scholarship was a boost for me on my way off to college,” said Bautista. “Most importantly, it was an honor to

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receive the scholarship. The way it helped me was by paying for all of my books I needed to be able to even take my classes. Without the scholarship, I would have had a struggle getting my books needed.” Bautista is still attending school, pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in architecture. Linda stressed that the scholarship was not dependent on the recipient attended college. “Doug would always say that we needed people in trades as much as others,” Linda said, “so it doesn’t matter if they go to college or a trade school, the scholarship is there to help.” One such trade school success story comes from last years’ recipient, Dylan Bouldin. “[The scholarship] helped in starting to college, even though I realized that college wasn’t right for me,” said Bouldin. “The scholarship gave me a feeling of accomplishment on what I did in high school. I am still blessed to have been awarded [the scholarship].” Bouldin is currently attending Texas State Technical College in Marshall. The Sibley’s have created an event that not only honors Coach Sibley’s passion for running, but also continues to impact athletes in Omaha and Naples, much like Coach Sibley did during his 22 year career at Pewitt High School. The tenth annual event is scheduled for March 21, with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. The one-mile run is set to begin at 8 a.m., followed by the 5K run at 8:30 a.m. For more information, those interested can contact 903-424-3370 or visit the website at www.dougsibleyfunrun.org.

FEBRUARY 2020

Peonies Skin Care

A luxury experience in our home town

Lori Windham stands proudly at her storefront at its grand opening. PHOTO BY DI DUNCAN

DI DUNCAN

icensed Esthetician Lori Windham has dedicated her life to helping others look and feel their best. With years of education at Dallas’s top schools and decades of experience at some of the world’s most renowned spas, she welcomes the opportunity to provide you with the best service in the industry. Her clientele has included 18

FEBRUARY 2020

NFL athletes, a former United States President and First Lady, television actors, and famous musicians. She opened Peonies Skin Care, a DMK (Danne’ Montague-King) Accredited Clinic, in Dec. 2019 offering DMK Enzyme Treatments, Microcurrent Treatments, Lightwave Therapy, Facials, Hair Removal, and Massage Therapy. NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

Windham’s interest in this industry began at a young age. When she was 16, she would often go to salons and receive manicures. When she graduated high school, her mother suggested she get a nail technician certificate. Her local salon’s owner told her that if she’d get certified, she would have a job waiting. Windham completed the licensure program and worked as a Licensed Manicurist. After five years, she opened her first salon. Several years later, a new avenue piqued her interest. Windham had discovered over time that her favorite part of doing manicures and pedicures was the massage portion of the treatments. After regular customers suggested she pursue a career in Massage Therapy, she decided to take the plunge. Windham had been a regular Massage Therapy customer and said that she had always felt renewed after appointments – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. She wanted to pay these gifts forward. NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

Windham searched for nearby Massage Therapy schools and found that the school with the highest quality of education was just two blocks from the salon she worked for. She enrolled in school and received her Massage Therapy License in 1997. After becoming licensed, Windham combined her experience as a Manicurist and her education in Massage Therapy to open Mockingbird Spa, on Mockingbird Lane in Dallas. “It’s a pleasure for me to be able to use what I consider the gifts given to me by God,” Windham says. She has now been practicing Massage Therapy for 23 years. During that time, she worked for spas such as The Spa at the Crescent, Elizabeth Arden Red Door, Cooper Spa, and other esteemed establishments in Dallas. Though she has loved her career in Massage Therapy, Windham says that her true passion has always been skincare: “My mom and I used to do facials together. I saw her originally doing what I didn’t know yet to be a facial when I was child. She was FEBRUARY 2020

putting hot towels and lotions on, and I’d seen her doing that on a regular basis. When I asked her what she was doing, she’d say, ‘Oh, I’m just taking care of my skin.’ I wanted to do that, too.” After years of doing at home facials and visiting spas for professional services, Windham decided to go back to school for Esthetics. Upon completing her training in 2001, she became a Licensed Esthetician, adding skincare to her list of services. While maintaining Mockingbird Spa, Windham practiced Massage Therapy at an establishment in Paris, Texas, as well. During her time there, Windham was responsible for opening an Esthetic Clinic within the business. She loved the country and the people of Paris. She worked there for a year before meeting her fiance, Sabin Warrick. She fell in love with Warrick and the people of Pittsburg, so she decided to move her spa there. She opened Peonies Day Spa in 2017. She operated the spa for over a year until she rebranded and reopened under the name, Peonies Skin Care. Though she still does massage therapy, providing exceptional skincare services is her primary focus. Windham is dedicated to providing the highest quality products and services to her clientele. “I would not offer any treatment or service in the clinic and spa that I would not personally use. I first ensure that I know it’s going to work for my client. I don’t know that until I use it personally.” She primarily carries paramedical skin products made by Danne’ Montague-

King, number one in the world for skin revision. These products cannot be purchased online, nor can they be found in drug stores or with multilevel marketing. They are prescribed and widely used by celebrities for age management, hyperpigmentation management, acne treatments, and scar revision. DMK has been using advanced enzyme preparations to eliminate dead and dying cells from the surface of the skin for 40 years. Windham offers these revolutionary skin revision products to her clients so that they can have the same high-end experience in their hometown as they would in a big city spa. Windham strives to provide the most personal, relaxing experience possible. She works alone so that each customer who comes in receives the same level of service and privacy as the one before. “Not only is it my passion to help people feel better and look better, but it’s a blessing to know what I’m supposed to be doing,” Windham says about her career path. She feels that what she does is truly God’s plan for her. Peonies Skin Care is a place of warmth and peace. Colors are muted to promote relaxation, and gold details make the space feel luxurious. Lavender fragrance swirls through the air, ensuring any tension you felt before entering is gone. Windham has poured a great deal of work and passion into Peonies Skin Care. For more information, visit www.peoniesskincare.com or call Lori Windham at (214) 502-6444. She enthusiastically awaits your visit to Peonies.

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THE 2020 TEXAS HOT LINK FESTIVAL One bite and you’ll be hooked

DI DUNCAN

Adult shirts sold at the 2020 Texa s Hot Link Festival will inclu de this design.

n 2019, Pittsburg was named the Hot Link Capital of Texas. In celebration of the town’s new title, the 2020 Texas Hot Link Festival is growing and adding many more features not seen at the last. Event coordinator Terre Wallis believes that not only will the event continue to grow over the course of the next ten years, it will also be a major destination for travelers from surrounding areas – even from across the state.

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The city will be shutting down main street, allowing the festival to run from Pendegrass Park to the Chamber of Commerce office. It will take over Rusk Street and Mount Pleasant Street, as well. Each section of the festival will be branded for the major sponsors of that section. For example, Pendegrass Park is going to be called the Mini Link Zone. That will be the children’s area, which will be sponsored by UT Health. The entire Mini Link Zone will be burnt orange and white. There will be an artisan alley on Rusk Street and Mount Pleasant Street. That’s where the traditional booths from local vendors will be, as well as two interactive murals. There will be three interactive murals, one of which will be in the children’s area. This mural will be themed, “Find the Missing Link.” The Missing Link will be a Sasquatch-like creature dragging around a long trail of hotlinks. The interactive “find the missing link” mural will be similar to a “Where’s Waldo” activity. Missing Link shirts will also be sold in the area. In the artisan ally section de-

signed for women, the other interactive murals will be set up. One will be called “Be the Change.” Participants will glue coins to a large board, creating an artistic feature. There will also be a “That’s What He Shed” area for men to shop, view demonstrations, et cetera. Products specifically catered to men include “thin blue line” items from Pittsburg’s 100 Club, Barrel Buddies, and leather items. Leather workers will also be at the event hand-tooling leather pieces. The goal of the artisan alley is to bring in vendors that the planning committee feels will be something different from the average local market. It will be sponsored by Load Trail. The entire area will be branded in their sponsor colors: bright blue, black, and white. The Texas Hot Link Festival will also include a cooking competition, which will encompass an item containing hotlinks sausage and a multicultural item. This event will take place in tents down Quitman Street, the main road through the festival. A dessert competition called the sugar rush challenge will

Photos by

NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

LYNDA STRINGER & ELLIS KNOX

FEBRUARY 2020

also be incorporated inside the culinary arts school owned by Northeast Texas Community College. NTCC has also collaborated with the festival to offer cooking workshops in preparation for the event. NTCC Culinary arts instructor Bren Young and Little Blonde Baker chef Kaely Thomas will be handling the contests. A farmer’s market called “A Farm-Fashioned Life” will also be set up on the street, containing plants, fruits, winter vegetables honeys, breads, and more. Local farmers and gardeners will be able to procure booths from the committee and sell their products. The farmer’s market will be placed in the main street to promote optimal foot traffic. A workshop for this was held by the NTCC agriculture department director, Rene McCracken. The workshop included sustainable farming, as well as seeding, growing, and harvesting techniques to prepare entrants for the market. “A Farm-Fashioned Life” will be sponsored by Pilgrim’s Pride. There will be two stages for entertainment this year. One is going to be incorporated inside the Mini Link Zone, and the other, which will be the Century 21-sponsored main stage, will be at the other end of the festival. The festival will have a director of entertainment this year. People’s Choice Awards will be distributed to the most popular entertainment acts. A talent search with professional judges was recently conducted to find performers; a large number in each area is expected. During breaks between sets, line dancing will be taught in front of the stages to keep the activities going all day. Entry into the festival will be free. There will be ticket sheets much like those at the Texas State Fair available for

FEBRUARY 2020

purchase so that visitors can use their tickets to taste and experience what they wish. Another addition to the festival will be a craft beer and wine tent. In order to promote local shopping, craft beer and wine will be provided by Pittsburg businesses, The Anvil Brewery and Los Pinos Vineyards & Winery. The beer selections will include two dark beers and two light beers. The businesses will be sharing a large tent in which adults can purchase their products. Food vendors will be placed around the festival grounds, potentially offering choices not typically found in this area. An auction will also be held at the event including items such as high-quality smokers. A specialty Texas Hot Link Festival quilt is also being constructed; the quilt will either be auctioned or given in a raffle. Local photographers Jerry Goodale and Randy Hood have been asked to showcase their collections at the event. The photographers will decide if their pieces will be available for sale. A hot link heritage experience is also potentially in the works. If the feature is completed, a downtown building will be equipped with seats and a screen showing a video of the history of hot links in the town. The video is expected to also describe the history of the family that has been providing Pittsburg with its hot links, including their favorite ways to enjoy them. The Texas Hot Link Festival will be held April 25 in downtown Pittsburg. Visitors of all ages, locations, and walks of life are encouraged to attend this event featuring great food, performers, and opportunities to buy items not sold elsewhere. The Texas Hot Link Festival is an experience tailored for the whole family.

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FEBRUARY 2020

Grace’s I Healing When faith meets medicine By

FEBRUARY 2020

SHAWN LARSON

n the hyper-secular culture we live in today there seems to be a dismissive attitude towards the need of religion, to really a genuine disdain for faith from a very influential group of atheists in our culture. People have likened the belief in God to believing in the Tooth Fairy or Santa Clause, adding no real benefit to our culture, and in some cases attributing every atrocity to religion. This, while truly ignoring the fact almost every hospital, classical university, relief organizations, and charitable causes were rooted in the belief of god. In northeast Texas, we live in the “Bible Belt” and have been sheltered to a large extent from an ideology that seems to permiate many of our larger cities and big pockets on the coasts and the northeast US. For us, here in the South, we see the value of faith in our day to day lives. We see our faith in action when our church members come to the rescue in times of trouble, whether it is sickness, death, moving, grieving or other loss. It is also seen in our churches when we pray and lift up each other in prayer, sometimes seeing a miracle, while at the very least feeling support from the church faithful. Recently in one of our towns in Cass County, we saw what many would call a genuine miracle when a baby who many in the medical field she visited expected at the very least to lose both of her eyes to cancerous tumors called Retinoblastoma, and very possibly her young life. NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

The Kaikala family first started to notice there was a problem “around six months,” they recalled. “We started noticing that her right eye had a weird sort of “glassy” look… like if she turned the right way that you might be able to see through it. But we just thought it was us, that it wasn’t something to be concerned about…she had never had any injuries etc. We had never known anyone to have eye problems as an infant. She was always super quiet and hardly ever cried, but she played like any normal 6 to 8-month-old baby would.” “We thought she was just tired maybe…. but then while at church the next day, a fellow church member also noticed her “glass” eye and commented on it. He said that she would really” weird out” her optometrist on her first visit,” continued Rebecca. “At this point,” remembers Ala and Rebecca, “we became curious and decided to have her eyes checked at our local optometrist. So I called our local optometrist the next day, Monday, but was advised that their only opening was for the following day.” On Tuesday March 19, in Atlanta she was seen for the first time. It was then that they first heard of the word “Retinoblastoma.” When they heard about the diagnoses they wanted to know all the facts, “Where was the cancer at and what was the initial diagnosis and prognosis.” “We were told that Jesslyn Grace had massive tumors behind each eye. We were told that 100% of her vision was blocked by the tumors in her right eye and that 90% of her vision was blocked in her left eye. At most, she could only see out of her peripheral in her left,” says Rebecca, “She was completely unresponsive to light.” Once the doctors made the diagnosis they “Immediately they began scheduling her an appointment with a specialist in Shreveport LA, about an hour’s drive away,” Rebecca recalled, NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

“Due to the severity of her diagnosis, they managed to squeeze her in for an appointment the very next day. So on Wednesday, March 20, we made our way to the specialist in Shreveport LA., hoping for a better diagnosis …for some form of hope or a kind of treatment plan.” What they received wasn’t the news they hoped for. Unfortunately, they just confirmed the original diagnosis… “A severe case of “Retinoblastoma” which would require chemo and very possibly, the removal of one or both eyes,” explained the Kaikala family. “At first we were devastated (with the prognosis). We had been caught off guard... never expecting to hear that kind of news. We broke. To be honest...the first night we just responded in the natural... Our minds led us down some of the worst paths with the worst possible outcomes. (Her eyes being removed and her being blind) We cried...ALOT. We looked back at the past eight months trying to recognize anything out of the ordinary, a sign that something was wrong. We had taken it for granted that she could see...but instead, she had adapted to her lack of vision and was just following sounds,” said Rebecca. “But then we turned to God. We called our pastors and those that we knew could be strong for us spiritually and would lock arms in this battle with us. We didn’t share our battle with people who would only add negative fuel to the fire. We kept the circle close at first and when we did let people know, we never claimed the diagnosis. We just told people that she was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma and was receiving chemo as she was awaiting her healing. We never let anyone speak that curse over her...it was not her disease,” declared Rebecca. The idea of faith and religion to the medical field is becoming something they are warming up to with studies pointing to the positive effects of faith and prayer to seriously ill patients. FEBRUARY 2020

According to the National Cancer Institute: ‘It is not known for sure how spirituality and religion are related to health. Some studies show that spiritual or religious beliefs and practices create a positive mental attitude that may help a patient feel better and improve the well-being of family caregivers. Spiritual and religious well-being may help improve health and quality of life in the following ways:’ • Decrease anxiety, depression, anger, and discomfort. • Decrease the sense of isolation (feeling alone) and the risk of suicide. • Decrease alcohol and drug abuse. • Lower blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. • Help the patient adjust to the effects of cancer and its treatment. • Increase the ability to enjoy life during cancer treatment. • Give a feeling of personal growth as a result of living with cancer. • Increase positive feelings, including: • Hope and optimism. • Freedom from regret. • Satisfaction with life. • A sense of inner peace. • Spiritual and religious well-being may also help a patient live longer. Cancer.org highlights a study that was done on faith and cancer and notes that “…religion and spirituality can help cancer patients find meaning in their illness and provide comfort in the face of fear. These patients might also be more likely to get practical help that aids in their recovery because they are often connected to a community of people who share their beliefs and can provide meals, help around the house, rides to medical appointments, and other types of hands-on care.” The Kaikala family received all the benefits mentioned by the cancer institute, but in their case so much more when they received an amazing report after being transferred from one hospital to the other only hearing bleak news from the doctors … On August 27 at approximately 11 a.m. they 30

FEBRUARY 2020

began hearing something different from the doctors. Ala and Rebecca remember, “Jesslyn was taken into the examination room for a scheduled EUA (examine under anesthesia). This process usually takes at least 2-3hrs because they also inject a small dose of chemo through the frontal portion of her eye’s to jump-start the next day’s cycle of chemo. At 12:30 p.m. (hour and an half later) the doctor and nurse returned to the waiting room and told us that they’ve decided not to inject the frontal of her eyes with chemo while she was under and that instead of performing a regular round of chemo the next day, they’ve decided to send us home and see us in 6 weeks instead of doing any more chemo.” When they visited the doctor next they were in for some unexpected news, instead of the doctor consulting them about worst-case scenarios, in “doctors speak” told them what they were believing all along that God was going to heal their daughter. This was in sharp contrast because in their last “that “the disease” was soo aggressive and was not responding to the treatments as fast as you would have liked, that talk of possibly removing her eye was going to be put back on the table…the doctor said correct, and now you’re saying that the disease is dead?....the doctor said ‘Correct. ‘” “The doctor went on to tell us that we need to stay proactive and keep praying that it will NOT come back. We said it is done and that God is glorified and healed Jesslyn Grace.” When Ala and Rebecca heard about the healing they “cried and then we laughed and then we cried some more! We were so overjoyed! Then we prayed and thanked God for never failing us.” The church family mirrored ours, explained the Kaikalas, “Our Pastors had to pull over onto the side of the road…our close friends gave victory shouts and others laughed and cried too. This was not just our victory, but a victory for all those who had believed and prayed and fasted with us too.” NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

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FEBRUARY 2020

Plant-tastic It’s almost ‘thyme’ for the

MASTER GARDENERS GARDEN SHOW AND PLANT SALE, set for April 4

Story & photos by

MIRANDA OGLESBY

Spring is almost here, and the Cypress Basin Master Gardeners are prepared to help aspiring gardeners find the perfect plant. 34

FEBRUARY 2020

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The 11th annual plant sale and garden show will be held at Mount Pleasant Civic Center on April 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $3 and doors open early for exhibitor viewing. Plant sales will begin at 9:00 a.m. Over 5,000 plants will be for sale, and Mas-

ter Gardeners will be available to help find the best ones for your garden. Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service will also be there for educational sessions - the perfect time to learn more about horticulture. For more information on the Cypress Basin Master Gardeners, visit www.cbmga.org.

The Cypress Basin Master Gardeners Plant Sale and Garden Show will be held April 4 at the Mount Pleasant Civic Center. The show will feature plants of all kinds for all types of gardeners.

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FEBRUARY 2020

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