“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” - Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
The community COMMUNITY . GOSPEL . BUSINESS . EDUCATION . HEALTH . POLITICS . OPINION Complimentary Copy
Vol. 29
January 6, 2022
TUBB NABS GRAND CHAMPION SHORTHORN
NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION
By Joycelyne Fadojutimi www.easttexasreview.com
Landry Tubb, a 6th grader at Judson STEAM Academy recently won the Grand Champion Shorthorn at the Carter Mayes Memorial Livestock Show. Landry works for excellence in her studies and livestock shows. Hence, she is an early riser.
Cordova named finalist Joseph Cordova, a senior at Pine Tree High School, was named a Quest Bridge Finalist. He matched with the University of Notre Dame for a fullride scholarship. Joseph Cordova QuestBridge is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that connects academically outstanding students from low-income backgrounds with opportunities at top colleges. Students admitted to a college partner through the National College Match join the Quest Bridge Scholars Network, which provides them with engagement opportunities and a supportive community on campus and nationwide. After graduation, the Quest Bridge Alumni Association provides additional opportunities to support students to achieve success in their careers and communities.
Police Chief to retire “Over the past six years, I’ve known that I could rely on him to do the right thing and set the example of how to protect and serve. He will be missed, and I wish him well in his future endeavors.” Police Chief Mike Bishop
Longview Mayor Dr. Andy Mack.
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Ettinger named volunteer of the month “The thing I like most is that this is a charity where the recipient has some skin in the game. We don’t just give things to people. We help them by building them an affordable house and they must also help in the building.” Charlie Ettinger
Landry Tubb
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INSIDE: Building Community p.3 Water Cycle
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Prayer of Praise
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Landry Tubb and her award-winning Shorthorn
Opioid settlement: Paxton secures $63M AUSTIN –Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced a $63 million statewide opioid settlement with Endo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The agreement will largely track the terms of the Global Prescription Opioid Litigation Settlement Agreement.
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Tips for happy holiday returns Returning an item can be inconvenient and frustrating. However, becoming familiar of the company’s return policy beforehand can help alleviate some of the stress. Contd. on Page 2
Charlie Ettinger
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BBB names top ten scams of 2021
Benefit of making Howard, Gardner snag New Year’s resolutions 2022 Unity honorees At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, it is customary to sip a glass of champagne and toast to the new year. Many people use the dawn of a new year as a time to create a list of resolutions that reflect positive changes, they hope to make in the year ahead.
The City of Longview Partners in Prevention’s Unity and Diversity Committee announces Ms. NaTusha Howard and Mr. Jerry Gardner as the 2022 Unity Honors recipients. The Unity Honors is a lifetime achievement award that recognizes residents who have demonstrated leadership in promoting unity, mutual understanding, and social justice.
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Scam artists are not going anywhere. Unfortunately, during the pandemic, we’ve seen them become more aggressive. Whether it’s online or over the phone, we must remain vigilant when it comes to protecting personal and financial information.” Contd. on Page 10
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COMMUNITY NEWS
J anuary 6, 2022
Benefit of making New Year’s resolutions At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, it is customary to sip a glass of champagne and toast to the new year. Many people use the dawn of a new year as a time to create a list of resolutions that reflect positive changes, they hope to make in the year ahead. Between 40 and 45 percent of American adults make resolutions each year, according to the health and wellness group Proactive Mindfulness. Resolutions may seem silly to some, but there are several positive reasons to make them. Resolutions provide practice setting goals. Goal setting is an important component of life. Goals are key because they provide general direction in life. A goal
is a map that can give you an idea of where you are heading and what path you need to take to get there, according to the self-improvement guide Success Consciousness. Resolutions can be fun, low-pressure goals. Think of them as dress rehearsals for bigger life changes.
Feeling bleak? Well, 2021 wasn’t all bad — here are a few astounding things ordinary people won at home and abroad.
Resolutions can serve as a catalyst for positive change. When something isn’t working with your routine, personal health or relationships, resolutions can serve as the catalyst that ultimately rights the ship.
By Peter Certo
Resolutions offer time for reflection. Too often people are rushing through daily life without stopping or slowing down to truly assess the impact of their actions. Resolutions help you reflect on the past, present and future, figuring out what has been working and what may need to be changed to provide a boost, according to the wellness resource Alternative Daily.
Resolutions can promote self-esteem and empowerment. Making resolutions and keeping them can provide a sense of accomplishment that comes with goal setting and following through. Resolving to lose five pounds and then seeing the proof on a scale can be a powerful motivator that compels you to make other self-improvements. Accomplishing small goals also can boost self-esteem. Resolutions are often made at the dawn of a new year.
These efforts can provide the motivation and direction people need to make positive changes in their lives. out what has been working and what may need to be changed to provide a boost, according to the wellness resource Alternative Daily.
food distribution, implementing the Backpack program for students, and providing scholarships to high school seniors. NaTusha Howard serves professionally and through volunteer service to build relationships across race and class lines. Currently, NaTusha serves as the director of Newgate Mission. She demonstrates love and
kindness for all who enter the doors of Newgate and respectfully refers to those seeking assistance as “patrons.” She gives her time as a dedicated member of her church, and assists young people in pursuing their goals through creative expression. Jerry Gardner initiated the Angel Tree Program at Haver-
ty’s Furniture Store approximately 30 years ago, which has grown and continues today. Jerry is a longtime volunteer, board member, and previous Board President of the Newgate Mission, giving his time to anyone in need through this mission. Thousands of children have received gifts because of Jerry’s heart to serve others.
company’s return policy beforehand can help alleviate some of the stress.” BBB offers the following consumer tips for hassle-free returns and exchanges: • Read the product warranty. The retail store may not be liable if the product turns up defective or damaged. You may be required to mail the product directly to the manufacturer in order to receive monetary refunds, credit or product replacement. • Monitor the “return clock.” Many retailers may only allow returns within a certain time frame and that time frame usually begins when the item is purchased, not when it is given. You don’t have to brave the crowds the day after opening gifts, but don’t wait too long to
return the item. • Understand return policies. Return policies for sale, clearance or “as is” merchandise may not apply or may be different than merchandise sold at full price. • Ask about return shipping fees. Be sure to read return policies when buying online to find out if you have to pay a return shipping fee. Sometimes merchandise can be returned to a store instead of the online merchant. • Keep the box and the receipt. Some stores will not accept returns unless the merchandise is in its original packaging. Without a receipt, some stores will either only provide store credit or will not accept the return at all. • Bring identification. Because
of return fraud, some retailers will ask for identification when making a return. If you’re returning or exchanging a gift that you bought, bring the credit card used to make that purchase. • If all else fails, re-gift. If you get a gift that is non-returnable, recycle it by giving it to someone else, sell it online through a classified site or donate it to a charity. BBB also reminds businesses to have a simple written return and exchange policy and be consistent in its implementation. Develop a policy that works for your business and make sure it’s visible to your customers. Make sure your employees are aware of the policy. Remember, even a customer’s return.
Endo will pay $63 million into the Texas State Qualified Settlement Fund, without any requirement that the global deal first be finalized, and without any rebates or reductions to the payment amount. This is the third statewide opioid settlement Attorney General Paxton has secured for Texas. In ad-
dition to the funds from Endo, Johnson & Johnson and McKinsey, Texas is also slated to receive up to $1.2 billion from distributors in the coming months. “This settlement is the result of my office aggressively working to hold opioid manufacturers accountable for their deceptive marketing of high-
ly-addictive pain pills, which spurred an epidemic and left victims and families with unimaginable consequences,” Attorney General Paxton said. “This settlement is a necessary step in the right direction, and we will continue to fight to heal our state from this devastating crisis.”
HOWARD, GARDNER continued from page 1
Special recognition awards will be presented to Eastman Chemical Company and the Rotary Club of Longview. Eastman is a corporate leader in promoting inclusion and diversity in the workplace, as demonstrated through the Employee Resource Groups. The Rotary Club of Longview for helping to provide food through regular
TIPS FOR HAPPY HOLIDAY RETURNS continued from page 1
By Mechele Agbayani Mills The holiday season has come to an end and many may be heading back to stores for refunds or exchanges. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF) Retail Security Survey, the retail industry will lose an estimated $3.5 billion to retail fraud during the 2021 holiday season. Better Business Bureau serving Central East Texas (BBB) reminds consumers that in Texas, refund and exchange policies are not required by law so it’s best to know before heading to the counter. “Returning an item can be inconvenient and frustrating,” Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas said. “However, becoming familiar of the OPIOID SETTLEMENT continued from page 1
AUSTIN –Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced a $63 million statewide opioid settlement with Endo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The agreement will largely track the terms of the Global Prescription Opioid Litigation Settlement Agreement. Pursuant to the settlement,
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3 OPINION A FEW MAGNIFICENT THINGS THAT HAPPENED IN 2021
J anuary 6, 2022
It would be easy to survey the end of 2021 and see another year in wreckage. There’s the pandemic that won’t end. Rising inflation. Climate disasters. A democracy that looks creakier by the day. And that was before West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin hit the brakes on the Build Back Better Act. In a stroke, Manchin put 10 million kids at risk of falling back into poverty, threw millions of green jobs into doubt, and set back projections of U.S. econom- (Shutterstock) ic growth. like our own democracy is unraveling. But But let me offer an unusual comfort: At to me it shows that people with far less least Henry Kissinger is still alive — to see a have overcome much steeper odds. And new progressive government in Chile. that can help us appreciate how much soNearly 50 years after a bloody, Kissingcial movements in our own country have er-backed coup, the South American country already accomplished. is throwing off the shackles of the Pinochet It was movements who demanded that dictatorship. Since last year’s mass demonCOVID-19 vaccines be made freely available. strations, they’ve tossed out the dictatorEven with a worrying new variant of the disship-era constitution and just elected Gabriease, millions of triple-vaccinated Americans el Boric, a progressive new president who are safely hugging their loved ones this holiwants to build a social safety net in the faday season thanks to them. mously unequal country. Together they’re unwrapping presents Next door in Peru, voters earlier this year that were shipped in time by America’s pubelected Pedro Castillo, a rural teacher and lic postal service, which was bolstered by union leader, as president, defeating the COVID-19 relief legislation — and strong daughter of a corrupt former dictator who support from the public. presided over a vicious civil war. Relief packages like the American Rescue And in Honduras, voters just handed a Plan Democrats passed this spring put more commanding victory to Xiomara Castro, a presents under the tree, too. Despite a deadprogressive who will also be the country’s ly pandemic and economic crisis, measures first woman president. It’s a stunning result like stimulus payments, expanded unemin a country that’s seen 12 harsh years of ployment relief, and the groundbreaking narco-dictatorship since a U.S.-backed coup Child Tax Credit actually reduced the U.S. in 2009. poverty rate. Maybe this is small comfort when it feels
That puts workers in a much stronger position. Next year, tens of thousands of employees will get bigger paychecks thanks to an astounding year of strikes throughout the heartland. In fact, even non-union employers that oppose a federal $15 minimum wage are now posting one for starting positions. Wages have risen more in the last three months than in the previous 20 years. And despite our political gridlock, there’s even good news on the climate front: The White House has ordered the sprawling federal government to eliminate its carbon emissions. And deepred Nebraska has embraced a net-zero goal for carbon emissions from its electricity. We can’t be sanguine about any of this in our political moment. But rather than despair, I’d prefer to remember the late Howard Zinn: “To be hopeful in bad times is not being foolishly romantic,” he said. “It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of competition and cruelty but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness.” If we remember those moments “where people have behaved magnificently,” Zinn advised, “it energizes us to act, and raises at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction.” As we spin into another year, let’s take those words to heart. Happy new year. Peter Certo is the editorial manager of the Institute for Policy Studies and editor of OtherWords.org.
BUILDING COMMUNITY, ONE FRUIT TREE AT A TIME A fast-growing, underground fruit economy is spreading in cities across America. By Jim Hightower Some years ago, a young, hippyish couple knocked on my front door. They had noticed that I had fig trees in the yard, laden with summer fruit. If I wasn’t going to pick them all, they asked, could they harvest some figs? Since I was about to take a trip, I said: Sure, have at ’em. Upon my return, as I stood at the door fumbling for my keys, I looked down — and there were two jars of delicious fig jam awaiting me. A little common neighborliness can be deeply enriching, in so many ways. I remembered my happy fig exchange recently when I read that a fast-growing, underground fruit economy is spreading in cities across America. Well, the movement is underground, but, naturally, the fruit is above ground and — like my figs — in plain sight. “Urban fruit foraging,” it’s called. It’s being organized spontaneously by local
folks who look around their neighborhoods and see yards with trees bearing an abundance of apples, plums, oranges, pomegranates, and other delights — an abundance that largely goes un-picked. So, why not find ways to gather, distribute, and eat this “public fruit”? Cleverly, people are doing just that. (Shutterstock) In Oregon, for example, maps of available fruit on websites, or — the Portland Fruit Tree Project is a database of 300 trees for picking. well, come up with your own idea. To help The owners sign up, then alert foragers a guide you, check out fallenfruit.org. couple of weeks before the fruit ripens so a harvest can be scheduled. Noting that OtherWords columnist one can only eat so many apples, one of Jim Hightower is a radio the project’s organizers says: “A fruit commentator, writer, and tree is really made for sharing with your public speaker. Distributed neighborhood.” by OtherWords.org. Others share with food banks, form backyard fruit co-ops, or put city-wide
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January 6, 2022
January 6, 2022
The Pine Tree High School Math/Science Team competed recently at the Spring Hill Math/Science meet. They did an amazing job and took home the 1st place trophy. Here are the results: UIL Math/Science Spring Hill Meet Results: 1st Place Team Overall Number Sense: 1st Place NS Team 12th grade: Bryce Willadson (1st) Isaac Tesser (2nd) Zoe Davis (3rd) Joseph Cordova (5th) 11th grade: Grant Beakley (1st) Asyiah Bray (2nd) Noah Sims (3rd) 10th grade: Jose Aranda (2nd) Chloe Tesser (4th) 9th grade: Eryka Furlong (2nd) Calculator: 3rd Place Calculator Team 12th grade: Zoe Davis (2nd) Bryce Willadson (3rd) Joseph Cordova (6th) Isaac Tesser (7th) 11th grade: Grant Beakley (3rd) 10th grade: Jose Aranda (3rd) Chloe Tesser (4th) June Malwitz (7th) 9th grade: Eryka Furlong (1st)
Pinetree students win accolades
Math: 1st Place Math Team 12th grade: Isaac Tesser (1st) Bryce Willadson (3rd) Erin Brogan (4th) Rebecca T. Leeson (5th) Joseph Cordova (7th) Zoe Davis (8th)
Science:
1st Place Science Team
12th grade: Rebecca T. Leeson (1st) Erin Brogan (4th) Zoe Davis (6th)
11th grade: Asyiah Bray (1st) Grant Beakley (2nd) Noah Sims (6th)
11th grade: Asyiah Bray (1st) Noah Sims (2nd) Grant Beakley (4th)
10th grade: Jose Aranda (4th) Chloe Tesser (6th)
10th grade: Chloe Tesser (2nd)
9th grade: Eryka Furlong (2nd) Dax McCain (5th) Cread Ray (6th)
9th grade: Cread Ray (1st) Eryka Furlong (2nd) Dax McCain (4th)
infinitieplus
LONGVIEW BUSINESS MAGAZINE
www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine www.iplusmag.com
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www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding
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January 6, 2022
January 6, 2022
TUBB NABS continued from page 1
Sponsored by the City of Longview Water Department
This is the water cycle. The water cycle is round just like a bicycle wheel. It also goes round and round in different stages.
How to conserve water in the kitchen. Keep a pitcher of cold water in the fridge so you do not have to run water for a while to make it cold. Repair leaking or dripping faucets. Even a tiny drip wastes a large amount of water over time.
Landry Tubb and her award-winning Shorthorn
Landry Tubb and her teacher, Cyler Frost.
Her day starts bright and early at 6am. Landry’s first task of the day is to take care of her livestock. She feeds her Shorthorn. At night, she feeds, washes, rinse and blow dry her Shorthorn to enable hair growth. But that is not all. She has to brush the hair a certain way to make it desirable. It is important to note that besides Landry’s work, her parents, Michael, and Julia Tubb are bankrolling their daughter’s Future Farmer’s of America (FFA) projects. Landry showed goats for 2 years and this is her first year working with cows with the goal of raising Longhorns in the future. Landry’s Ag. teacher, Cyler Frost is a Tarleton State University graduate. Tarleton State with one of the best and stellar ag programs in the world, is a founding member of the Texas A&M University System. Frost, a Tarleton
Texan with a master’s degree in Ag. Leadership brings first-class expertise and experience in Agribusiness and leadership to Longview Independent School District. Frost was teaching at Omaha, Texas but wanted to move back home when he applied for a teaching position with Longview ISD. He was excited when LISD hired him. “I got the job and came running,” an enthusiastic Frost said. Indeed, he came running with past successes that has enabled him to contribute positively and immensely to the Judson Ag program. Frost is enormously proud of Landry. “I thought she had a good chance of winning” he said. “Besides, she works very hard too.” Frost went on to describe what his students have learned going to livestock shows. They have had the opportunity to meet industry executives and hear them speak. They learned the agribusiness. For example, a bull can cost $65,000 just to own half of it. But one straw of semen from that same bull sells for $25,000. You can split ownership and semen rights. This enables students to see how they can make profit and not worry about losing money. Secondly, Frost’s student meet industry leaders because they do not know where their food comes from.
Landry Tubb showing goats.
Thinking that milk comes from the grocery store is a faulty thinking. Milk comes from the farmers’ cows before it makes it way to the grocery store shelves. On a different note, Frost praised the diversity of LISD. His program gives his students the opportunity to travel which would not have been possible without the program. According to Frost, he is grateful to the district and parents for supporting the program and their students. FFA is an excellent program because it teaches invaluable lessons, prepares students by assisting them acquire values, leadership and life skills that will shape their futures with endless possibilities in any given career.
Do not run the water nonstop when washing hands, or cleaning fruits and vegetables. Only run full loads of dirty dishes when running the dishwasher.
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GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT
J anuary 6, 2022
January 6, 2022
Prayer of Praise G P M A F
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GOD IN 2022 By Dr. Michael Guido “You chart the path ahead of me and tell me when to stop and rest. “Every moment you know where I am.” Psalm 139:3 “The Lord says, “‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’” Psalm 32:8 “Because of Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for He chose us from the beginning and all things happen just as He decided years ago.” Ephesians 1:11
“The Lord will work out His plans for my life – for Your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for You made me!” Psalm 138:8 “Seek His will in all you do and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:6 Prayer: Grant us wisdom, give us faith, increase our trust, and watch over us each day, Father, as we seek Your plan for our lives. May we follow You always. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
One of the most common questions of persons who are in the One of themidst mostofcommon questions whoHow are in the grief is some variationofofpersons “how long?” long will midst of grief ispain some variation ofbefore “howI long?” longlike willI did this last? How long am able How to function this pain last? How long before I am able to function like I did before? How long before I stop crying whenever someone before? How long before I stop crying whenever someone mentions the name? mentions the name? We think sometimes thinkas ofagrief as a condition - an illness V. Stanmore Director We sometimes of grief condition - an illness that that V. Stanmore Director has to run a course. particularWith course. With or a cold flu,can we take can take has to run a particular a cold flu,or we that in a we few will days recover. we will recover. Webe will be back to normal. Allsigns signs of of comfort that comfort in a few days We will back to normal. All the be illness will be merely a memory. the illness will merely a memory. Grief is not or an aillness or a disease. It is a transition.We do not better.We We Grief is not an illness disease. It is a transition.We do not getget better. reconstruct in of thethe faceloss. of theWe loss. We learn to live with that loss.Grief Grief is is aa reconstruct our lives inour thelives face learn to live with that loss. difficult journey. We may experience allof sorts of emotions - guilt, anger,sadness, sadness, difficult journey. We may experience all sorts emotions - guilt, anger, loneliness to name may find it difficult to concentrate, distressedby by so so loneliness - to name a- few. Wea few. mayWe find it difficult to concentrate, distressed many We memories. We may hurt physically, less than best. may many memories. may hurt physically, feelingfeeling less than our our best. It It may the we waysbehave. that we We behave. Wefind mayourselves find ourselves avoiding othersororangry angry influence theinfluence ways that may avoiding others the normal of may life. We may struggle withfaith, our faith, trying sortout outall all at the normalatirritants ofirritants life. We struggle with our trying to to sort our whyto this had to happen. our questions ofquestions why thisofhad happen.
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2 Samuel 22:47-49 The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation. It is God that avengeth me, and that bringeth down the people under me. And that bringeth me forth from mine enemies: thou also hast lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.
306 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Longview, TX 75602 • 903-753-1774 Sunday School 9:00a.m. Sunday Worship 10:30a.m.
2717 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Longview, TX 75602 | 903-757-6440
Pastor H.C. Rockmore
Sunday School 9:45a.m. Sunday Worship 11:00a.m.
2101 W. Marshall Ave., Longview 903-759-1401 | www.highridgelv.com
Pastor Tim Ingram
First Service: 9:00 am 2nd Service: 10:30 am 3rd Service: 12 Noon
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STATE/NATIONAL
THANK YOU
to those businesses helping at this time
Vision Services Optometry & Optical
Wellness Pointe accepts most medical and dental insurance plans, CHIP, Medicaid, and Medicare. Affordable payment options are available for qualified patients. Walk-ins and new patients are welcome at all locations!
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J anuary 6, 2022
BBB NAMES continued from page 1
By Mechele Agbayani Mills The Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Sentinel Network took in approximately 4.7 million reports in 2020 with consumer losses estimated at over $3.3 billion. The following list includes East Texas’ most reported scams and suspicious activities of 2021 via BBB Scam Tracker: 1. Online purchase scams. It may seem as if some of the best deals many be found online, but use caution. It’s easy for a scammer to hijack photos from a legitimate retailer and post prices which seem too good to be true. Make sure you are dealing with a legitimate seller who has a history of conducting business ethically by going to bbb.org. 2. Phishing/ Smishing/ Vishing. The victim receives an email (phishing), phone call (vishing) or text message (smishing). In the communication, the scammer urges the target to click a link, share information, or download an attachment which likely contains malware. In the case of an email or text, the link frequently leads to a form, which prompts the target to enter personal information. 3. S weepstakes/Lottery/Prizes. Winning the sweepstakes, dream vacation, large amounts of money, a new car, shopping spree or new technology sounds great especially if you didn’t enter to win. Unexpected prize and lottery scams rely on your excitement to lure you into paying fees for your prize or and typically require that you provide your personal information with the intent of compromising your identity. Remember, you should never have to pay fees for winning a prize. You will also never win a lottery you never entered. 4. Bogus Employers. Scammers advertise a job opening or guarantee job placement if you pay a fee to cover the cost it takes to place you in a job. However, after you pay, there’s no job and you are out of money. Remember, if a potential employer asks you to pay the company to cover the costs of testing, training, or background checks, consider it a red flag. 5. Healthcare/Medicaid/Medicare. BBB has received numerous reports from East Texas residents who claim they received phone calls from Medicare/ Medicaid imposters asking to confirm Social Security, income, and bank account information. 6. Tech Support. Consumers are being targeted by fraudsters pretending to be well-known tech support companies. Victims are contacted with a mes-
COMMUNITY NEWS
J anuary 6, 2022 POLICE CHIEF continued from page 1
sage on their computer that a virus has been detected and to “fix” the problem, a phone number or website is given to purchase an anti-virus computer via debit or credit card. Computer manufacturers will not contact you to let you know if there is a problem with your computer. 7. Fake Invoices/Bills. Be wary of phony bills from vendor/supplier imposters. Con artists send out fake invoices for office supplies, domain hosting services, web services, and other services in hopes of tricking businesses into paying for services or products they never requested or received. 8. Identity theft. While scammers certainly want access to your finances, also valuable are your Social Security number, debit/ credit card info, pin numbers, passwords, and any other items containing your personal information. If this sensitive information falls into the hands of a criminal, it may be used to steal your identity. It’s important to be extremely protective of your personal information online, via text, on the phone and in person. 9. Government Grant. Victims receive a phone call, email or letter stating they qualified for a government grant, but to receive the grant you must pay the processing and/or delivery fee via wire transfer or prepaid debit card. In East Texas, some consumers reported receiving a message to claim a government grant via a friend’s (hacked) Facebook Messenger account. Remember, the government does not award grants for which there has been no application. Go to usa.gov for additional information on the grant application process. 10. Debt Collection. Consumers report receiving harassing calls and/or calls for debts which are not owed. Remember, there are debt collection process rules in place to prevent unethical collection business practices. Review the rules of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) on the Federal Trade Commission’ s (FTC) website. Report violations to bbb.org, FTC, the state Attorney General’s office, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). What you can do: • Don’t be pressured into making hasty decisions. • Take time to research every organization you do business with by going to bbb.org. • Never provide your personal information (address, date of birth, banking information, ID numbers) to people you do Contd. on Page 11
Police Chief Mike Bishop recently announced his plans to retire from the Longview Police Department at the end of January 2022. He has served Longview, Texas for thirty-two years of unsurpassed service, together with six years as Chief. Bishop served in the U.S. Air Force before joining the Longview Police department in 1989 as a patrol officer. But that is not all. Bishop has served in different departments including: Police area representative, detective, patrol sergeant, crisis intervention negotiator, as well as roles within special operations, support services, and administration. In August 2015, Bishop reached the pinnacle of his career when he was promoted to Police Chief. Chief Bishop is a 1999 graduate of the University of Texas at Tyler with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He graduated from the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration in 2001 and the Management Command College in 2006. Bishop also earned a Master’s in Business Administration from LeTourneau University in 2008. “Chief Bishop was promoted to Police Chief just a few months after I had been elected to my first term as Mayor. Public Safety was a top priority for me then, just as it is today, and I can’t thank Chief Bishop enough for the work that he and his officers have done to keep our community safe,” Longview Mayor Dr. Andy Mack said. “Over the past six years, I’ve known that I could rely on him to do the right thing and set the example of how to protect and serve. He will be missed and I wish him well in his future endeavors.” City manager Keith Bonds had this to say about Chief Bishop. “I greatly appreciate Chief Bishop’s service
to the Longview Police Department and the City of Longview as a whole,” said City Manager Keith Bonds. “As a former Police Area Representative himself, Mike has always been a strong proponent of community policing, encouraging relationships between officers and community while also setting high standards of excellence and professionalism. I know Longview is a better place because of his efforts.” The Chief will not spend his time retired. He is going to be busy at work. After his retirement, Chief Bishop will commence working at Tyler Junior College as a Professor and Coordinator of the Public Administration Program in the Department of Legal and Public Service Careers in the School of Professional and Technical Programs. Bishop has taught classes as an adjunct professor for the past eleven years. There are several Police Department accomplishments worth noting during Chief Bishop’s tenure: • Implementation of body-worn cameras. • Created Police Outreach Service Team (POST) to proactively respond to Homeless individuals in the community. • Consistent reduction in crime over the last several years. • Establishment of Civilian Teen Police Academy and Business Police Academy. • Established accredited Police Academy to train new recruits to department standards. The academy currently training LPD cadets and cadets from neighboring agency. • Charter member of the East Texas Anti-Gang Unit, with the Smith and Gregg county law enforcement agencies including Smith County
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Charlie Ettinger from Marshall cannot remember exactly when he began serving as a volunteer with Northeast Texas Habitat for Humanity. The important thing for him is that he continues to be available to help wherever needed. That’s the spirit of many Habitat for Humanity project volunteers, and Charlie is no different. His building and carpentry skills make him the perfect fit to any Habitat build team. “It’s been a while but I think I’ve been doing it at least 10 years,” Charlie says when trying to answer how long he’s been a Habitat volunteer. “I started out assisting in the home building and then became the treasurer of the Harrison County organization before we became associated with the larger Northeast Texas Habitat.” Charlie enjoys the work of Habitat, as he has experience with basic carpentry, fence building, and other aspects of a Habitat project. He has helped with the construction of the Franklin Street house in Marshall and is always looking for the next opportu-
nity to serve. “The thing I like most is that this is a charity where the recipient has some skin in the game,” he said. “We don’t just give things to people. We help them by building them an affordable house and they must also help in the building.” Charlie also enjoys the experience of contributing to the overall community with his service to Habitat. “We are turning vacant lots into homes for families that normally wouldn’t own a house,” he said. “It also puts the houses on the tax rolls for the city and county.” Charlie also says the opportunity to work with and meet new people from all walks of life is another benefit of his time with Habitat. “I have gotten to know a lot of good people, the volunteers and the homeowners,” he said. “Getting to know the homeowners and their personal stories, how they spent time in substandard rental housing and now own a home of their own, are some of the things I remember most.”
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not know. • Don’t click on links from unsolicited email or text messages. • Verify. If you are unsure about a call or email that claims to be from your bank, utility company, vendor, etc., Do not use the number provided by the text, email, phone call or private message. Instead contact the business directly using information from previous in-
voice or statement or on the back of your credit card. • Never send money by wire transfer, prepaid debit card or unconventional method to someone you don’t know or haven’t met in person. Use a credit card and always reconcile your statements. • Never send money for an emergency situation unless you can verify the emergency.
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Sheriff’s Office, Tyler PD, Gregg County Sheriff’s Office, Longview Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and the Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). Recognition for 2016 and 2020 Best Practices through the Texas Police Chief’s Association. Implementation of modified police services during pandemic conditions. Design and space needs assessment of new police department, leading to the construction of new Police Department building slated for completion in late 2022. Establishment of Computer Aided Dispatch/Records Management System assessment to develop options for updating the current system. Hiring and Training of 96 new officers since August 2015. Implementation of Texas Department of Transportation Sponsored Data-Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety policing model. Utilization of professional commercials and social media platforms for recruiting purposes.
In the City of Longview appointments of director-level positions, including the Police Chief, are recommended by the City Manager but require approval by the City Council. A timeline has not yet been established for filling the Police Chief position.
2105 South Martin Luther King Boulevard Longview, Texas 75602 www.easttexasreview.com Phone: 903. 918.7706
Mission - Why We Exist To continuously improve communication between the people of East Texas. Vision - What We Want To Be One of the best community newspapers in the nation. Provider of positive and edifying News about people, place and businesses. Publisher/Editor Joycelyne Fadojutimi, PHD Marketing/PR Keisha Roland Contributing Writers Jim Hightower Stacy M. Brown Mechelle Agbayani Mills Justin J. Pearson Graphic Artist Kuneho Designs Website Design Joe Fuentes CEO/Media Quest East Texas Review Newspaper is not responsible for any discrepancies or changes since the publishing of this issue. At the time of publication, to the best of our knowledge, all information was accurate though not guaranteed. The entire content of East Texas Review Newspaper is copyrighted 2022. Any reproduction of use in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. East Texas Review Newspaper reserves the right to edit and make appropriate modifications. The opinions published by contributing writers does not necessarily reflect the views of East Texas Review Newspaper or its advertisers.
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COMMUNITY HEALTH
J anuary 6, 2022
Women’s Health receives a Boost
Carlos E. Quezada, MD, FACOG: Innovative, multilingual, trailblazer in robotic surgery, topmost physician makes Longview, Texas home By Joycelyne Fadojutimi Longview Regional Medical Center has hired board-certified gynecologist/obstetrician Dr. Carlos Enrique Quezada. In view of present health trends, COVID-19 is not the only health threat faced by East Texas ladies. WOMEN’S HEALTH AND FIBROIDS A 2016, National Institute of Health research indicates that fibroids affect 65% of all women by the time they reach age fifty. As many as half of all afflicted women experience severe menstrual periods that lead to pain, reproductive problems, depression, emotional problems, and menstrual bleeding so copious it causes anemia. Along these lines, uterine fibroids are the leading cause of hysterectomies in American women. Consequently, uterine fibroids is a major public health problem resulting in $34.4 billion in medical costs annually without the desired results. Quezada aims to educate individual women on their specific and personal health issues, thus lessen the need for hysterectomies that results in early menopause and hot flashes. Although during his twenty-one years of treating and caring for women, he has dealt with several kinds of medical problems, he specializes in gynecology, obstetrics, minimally invasive gynecological surgery, infertility, and hormone replacement therapy. He is a trailblazer in robotic surgery for various female pelvic issues, including pelvic reconstruction. He hopes to use all his skills to decrease the need for hysterectomies. “There are some procedures I want to bring,” he says. “It will bring improved outcomes with-
out having a hysterectomy.” Quezada can best be described as a mixture of state-of-the-art cutting edge technology Doc. found in big cities, but who is actually a small town kid, loves country music, matured in the U.S. Navy, is fervently proud of his Texas heritage, is a dedicated husband, father and brother with a touch of Latino flare. He also has a predilection for smaller cities like Longview, Texas. “We went all over the world when I was in the United States Navy,” he says. “When I got to San Antonio in 2011, it was not the same town I [had] left. It had gotten very big. I was missing the feeling of my small town.” Longview’s size and modest night life also appeal to this devoted healer. “I like the community,” he says. “The drive [to work] is quick, and at my age, I don’t need night clubs.” FAMILY AND FAITH His devotion to family and faith is also remarkable. Now that his children are grown, he has more time to dote on his adoring wife Christie and worshipping at their non-denominational church. “I am madly in love with my wife,” he says. “I cannot be who I am without her. We are looking forward to putting down deeper roots and making Longview our home.” EDUCATION A native of Laredo, Quezada was four when he accompanied his adoptive grandparents to San Antonio, where he became an ardent San Antonio Spurs fan. After attending South San West Campus, he moved on to Palo Alto College and served as
president of Alpha Theta Pi honor society. He pulled down his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and joined the Pre-Med Honor Society. DR. CARLOS QUEZADA Furthermore, he attended the University of Texas Health Science up in Longview, and now call Center in San Antonio with a it home. Considering his endfull scholarship from the Navy, less litany of credits, he is a true earning his Doctor of Medicine blessing to his new port of call, degree. While still in medical Longview Texas. school he established the MiliQuezada is board-certified by tary Medical Honor Society be- the American Board of Obstetfore joining the Navy and com- rics and Gynecology, worked as pleting a residency in obstetrics Chief of Obstetrics and Gyneand gynecology at the San Di- cology at the naval hospital in ego-based Naval Medical Cen- Bremerton, Washington, where ter in 2003. After twelve years of he was also adjunct faculty for touring the world in the Navy, the Family Medicine Program. he returned to San Antonio. He also served as adjunct faculMILITARY SERVICE ty at Christus Santa Rosa Family Quezada spent a total of six- Medical Center in San Antonio, teen years in the Navy, being and for the Obstetrics and Gynestationed at various points of cology residency at University call in Europe, Asia, and all Hospital in San Antonio. across America, and rising to the AWARDS rank of lieutenant commander. He has earned numerous He now heals as a civilian. awards and recognitions along EXPERTISE AND with his professional memberEXPERIENCE ships. He is a member of the Dr. Quezada is a fellow of the American Congress of ObstetAmerican College of Obstetrics rics and Gynecology, the Amerand Gynecology (ACOG,) a ican Association of Gynecologic past member of the Texas Med- Laparoscopists, and the Ameriical Association, the American can Institute of Ultrasound MedCollege of Obstetrics and Gy- icine. He maintains his certificanecology, Bexar County Med- tion with the American Board ical Society, and the Mexican of Obstetrics and Gynecology. American Hispanic Physicians While in the service he served in Association. While with ACOG, the US Navy Medical Corps. His he served as treasurer for Sec- ability to speak English, Spanish tion V, District XI, representing and Italian is another blessing San Antonio in women’s health for his patients. matters. Although they folFor more information and/ lowed a long and winding road or to schedule an appointment he and Christie finally pitched please call (903) 753-7658.