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“The stakes could not be higher”: Judge threatens to lock up Texas prison officials over air conditioning A federal judge was visibly frustrated Friday as he suggested that putting state officials in uncooled cells might be the only way to get their attention after they broke a settlement agreement to keep some inmates in air conditioning. By: Jollie Mc Cullough. HOUSTON — Visibly frustrated with the Texas prison system for violating his court order to place some inmates in air conditioning, U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison threatened Friday to lock up prison officials in the same stifling temperatures. “It seems the most obvious sanction is pretty straightforward,” he said in an emergency hearing in his Houston courtroom. “We ought to have prison officials in prison at the same temperature.” The hearing was the latest development in a five-year lawsuit over the heat in one of 75 Texas prison units that do not have air conditioning in inmate housing areas. In 2014, several inmates at the William Pack pris-
on near College Station sued the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for keeping prisoners in uncooled housing where temperatures routinely surpassed 100 degrees. The department has reported nearly two dozen prisoner heat-related deaths since 1998, and at least one other death was reported to be caused by heat last year, though the department has contested that finding and said a final autopsy is still pending. As of Aug. 28, TDCJ reported 56 heat-related illnesses this year for prisoners and employees. Agency spokesman Jeremy Desel said that number is down significantly from last year, when there were 71 incidents. Ellison agreed with the inmates in 2017 that the high temperatures were cruel and unusual punishment, and he ordered that the prison system place the men in the unit in air-conditioned housing. He also ruled TDCJ had been deliberately indifferent to the potential harm the heat could
Continues On Page 7
September 18, 2019
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www.lsshopper.com • 903-865-7002
Lone star SHOPPING NEWS
In Search Of... I.S.O. Individual searching for old guns, rusted guns, beat up guns, or nice working guns. I enjoy restoring old guns as a hobby or using them for parts. Please call Bud at 817-602-7353 or email pictures to budhaf@msn.com. • I.S.O. USED PEDDLE BOAT. Call 903-3680781 • I.S.O. Used 16 to 18 Ft trailer. 972-824-8901. •I.S.O. looking for pasture land for lease near Emory for cows. 903-473-8700. •I.S.O. Good, used reloading components, ammo. 903-3666020. I.S.O. RV-Travel Trailer 214-455-7632. • I.S.O. A 14 or 16 foot Boat & Trailer reasonably priced. I Don’t need the Motor. Call 903-9944501, if no answer, leave message. • I.S.O. One ton truck call 903-880-3530.
• I.S.O. I NEED TOP SOIL. near Antlers Ok. Can pick up 303-6182974. • I.S.O. EMPTY UNDENTED CANS Can pick up 903-706-4258. •I.S.O. STORAGE CONTAINER. 903-6697168. • I.S.O. Small locking glass case. 903-3728434. • I.S.O. old toys, 1960 on back. Trains, planes, cars, comics, novelty anything. Call 903-7323445 (No Dealers)
brands. Susan 903-4914766. • I.S.O. old 4x4 Timber Wolf 4-wheeler, full time 4 wheel drive. Need for parts. Call 903-703-8403 IN SEARCH OF ADS ARE FREE WHEN MAILED TO 222 WEST DALLAS, CANTON, TX 75103. You Also can also drop off your ad at the same address in Canton.
Darlene Tunnell Owner/Agent 903-963-5101
Deadline is Thursday at 5:00 PM. We distribute Tuesday-Wednesday. You can email classifieds to lonestarshopper@gmail.com. Our phone number is 1-855-320-7467 (SHOP), or
903-865-7002
Visit us online at www.lsshopper.com Follow us on Facebook.www.facebook.com/lsshopper. Check out our twitter page. LONE STAR SHOPPER does not warrant, nor guarantee the accuracy of any advertisement, nor the quality of the goods or services offered. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all claims made and to use good judgment and reasonable care when dealing with people you don’t know.
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V-386 Beautiful 4 BD 2.5 BA brick home w apx 2,686 sq ft of living space in Van. Home includes 3 large BD, plus oversize MA BD & BA, a formal Dining Room, KIT w breakfast nook, open concept into the Living Room w fireplace, and a spacious covered back porch that overlooks its gorgeous 1.83 acres. There are also two additional outbuildings and an apx 560 sq ft guest house. Do not miss out on this property! Call 903-681-3211 C-56 Commercial metal building on four acres Approximately 7,200 Square Feet. Located on Loop 317 Athens. ® city limits. High traffic area and great location, call today! C-67 1.4 AC Commercial lot in downtown Van area. Good building site near Main St. Trees on lot. All city utilities are available. Owner may carry financing. Come see today!
Lone Star Shopper The LONE STAR SHOPPER IS A FREE distribution publication serving Alba, Ben Wheeler, Canton, Colfax, Cedar Creek, Edgewood, Emory, Fruitvale, Golden, Grand Saline, Greenville, Kaufman , Lake Fork , Lake Tawakoni , Lindale, Lone Oak, Mineola, Quinlan, Quitman, Sulphur Springs, Terrell, Tyler, Van, Wills Point, Winnsboro & Other East Texas Towns.
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I.S.O. ITEMS ARE FREE ONLY WHEN EMAILED TO lonestarshopper@ gmail.com, Or Bring Ad To 222 West Dallas • Canton, TX. 75103
L-73 . 6AC treed lot and .66 AC treed lot just outside city limits. Private road, some restrictions. No MH’S, homes conform to neighborhood.
HA-308
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HA-309 4 BD 2 BA DW Mobile on apx 14 AC. The home has apx 2176 sq ft of space, and an open floor plan. This wonderful property also includes a chicken coop, a 3000 sq foot insulated shop, and a 2 AC stocked pond. This home won’t last long! Call today! 903-6843211
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V-384 Unique farm house close to downtown Van. Wood frame 2 BD 2 BA house includes LR, KIT & Dining area with an Sun Room attaching it to a mobile home. The apx 1128 sq ft home is on an apx 0.646 acre corner lot. The mobile home is unfinished. Property needs some work but has great potential!
SOLD
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website : www.tunnellrealestate.net The Information Here Is Deemed Reliable, But Not Guaranteed
September 18, 2019 HOBBIES ATTENTION: Are you a radio control plane enthauisist? A widow of a collector has her husbands collection of vintage RC planes and parts. Buy the whole lot and save. No low ballers. For an Appointment Call Josh Fuller at 903-3728434 APPLIACES DRYERS $100 ea. Washers $125 ea. Countertop dishwasher, $100. 903-595-0551. BOAT FOR SALE: 1993 Tracker Nitro 170DC, (Rick Clum Edition), \93 Evinrude 115hp, Trailstar Custom Trailer, Add'l Equipment. Call 903243-3605 .
BOAT FOR SALE: Flat Bottom Jon Boat. includes , life jacket and oars $100.00. 903-521-3341. TRAILER FOR SALE: 26 FT BED GOOSE NECK TRAILER TWO 7,000 POUND AXLES. $1,650.00. 903-8733389 Or, 903-920-2650. MOBILE WELDING MOBILE WELDING Services: Certified Steel Fabricator. Available and on call, ask for Daniel 903-474-5110. TRACTOR FORD 3000 tractor. Plus equipment. Boon pole, bush hog, box blade, and a breaking plow. $3200.00 for all. Brownsboro 903-3431088.
CHARITY DONATE YOUR CAR FOR BREAST CANCER! Help United Breast Foundation education, prevention, & support programs. FAST FREE PICKUP - 24 HR RESPONSE - TAX DEDUCTION 1-855-625-8796 FOR SALE UTV FOR SALE: YAMAHA BIG Bear 400. 4x4. Winch. ITP rims. Never in water. Factory red a little faded. Fresh Service. All papers since new. 2500.00 cash, firm. 903-658-2994. Advertise and shop local
www.lsshopper.com • 903-865-7002 AUTO 2001 Toyota 4 Runner SR5-4WD, SUPER CLEAN, silver, new interior, automatic, A/C, loaded with extras, very well maintained a must see and drive. Price $6,850 call 903-4976240. SERVICES TIMBER WANTED! Large or Small Tracts. Pine & Hardwood. Select Cutting Available. 20 Years Experience!! 903-570-8363 EQUIPMENT
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HOBBIES ATTENTION: Are you a fan of metal collector cars of the 50s and 60s? A widow of a collector has her husbands collection of vintage Cars, Trucks and Tractors. Buy the whole lot and save. No low ballers. For an Appointment Call Josh Fuller at 903-372-8434 ROOFING Don’t throw your money away on a new roof! With my proven invention, I can restore your roof to like brand new conditions! Only $0.79/ sf. Comes in many colors, rubber paint/silicone applies directly onto your existing roof. Seals water leaks permanently. 25 Year formula. Insulates up to 30° cooler. Save thousands on your electric bill. No money until we are done. Over 3,000 houses done. Shingle, flat, cedar, metal. Credit cards accepted. Smart Roof, 956-4667001. HELP WANTED 3 - D PIZZA IS HIRING! Apply in person • kitchen help • drivers needed apply in person weekdays no phone calls Edit 105 Buffalo St Canton, TX 75103 across from the COUNTY courthouse
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September 18, 2019
TRACTOR FORSALE:Massey Furgerson Tractor, overhauled $2,500.00 903-878-2333. ACREAGE FOR SALE: All or part of 44.54 Acres with pond on Hwy. 19, three miles north of Canton 214-7681629. TRAILER FOR SALE:FLAT BED Shop built trailer Mobile Home Axles. Heavy Duty. $950.00. 903 8782333. FLEA CONTROL Patented FleaBeacon®controls fleas in the home without toxic chemicals or costly exterminators. Results overnight! CARTHAGE AG & VET SUPPLY 903-693-6311 (www. fleabeacon.com) HOGS 2 Female hogs for sale, 1 Hampshire, 1 Yorkshire, approx 600 lbs ea., $400 each. (903)7774829 CLOCKS Cuckoo Place 903-7345117. Selling, Repairs & Restoration on all Clocks & service calls on Grandfather clocks. FREON FREON R12 WANTED: Certified buyer will PAY CA$H for R12 cylinders or cases of cans. 312-291-9169; www. refrigerantfinders.com. WELL FOR SALE Gould deep well . Two in sand screws & 650 LB pressure tank. 903 878-2333.
LOG HOMES Log Homes – 3 Log Home kits selling for balance owed, free delivery. Model #305 Biloxi, bal. $15,000; Model #403 Augusta, bal. $16,500; Model #502 Santa Fe, bal. $17,500. View plans at www.loghomedream. com. LEGAL Many industrial and construction workers exposed to asbestos from the 1940s through the 1970s, along with their families, are among those at risk for mesothelioma, lung cancer or gastro cancer. Even if you have settled an asbestosis case in the past, a new claim may be possible, 800-460-0606, www.AsbestosLaw. com.
HELP WANTED TED: EXPERIENCED MECHANIC/TECHNICIAN with tools needed. Knowledge of diesel engines a plus 305 Bradburn Rd. Grand Saline. OIL & GAS We buy oil, gas & mineral rights. Both nonproducing and producing including non-Participating Royalty Interest (NPRI). Provide us your desired price for an offer evaluation. 806620-1422, LoboMineralsLLC@gmail.com. Lobo Minerals, LLC, PO Box 1800, Lubbock, TX 79408-1800.
CYCLE FOR SALE: CUSTOM KAWASAKI MOTORCYCLE. Plenty of extras. For more inforamtion call 903-8803530.
www.lsshopper.com • 903-865-7002 ACREAGE FOR SALE:26.62 acres, recreational/ hunting, Duval County. End of road. Heavy south Texas brush. Deer, hogs, and quail. Acreage with electricity available. $3,500/acre with 5% down, 30 year owner financing. 866286-0199. www. texasbrushcountry.com BARNDOMENIUMS C&T Buildings of Canton, TX does Residential & Commercial • Barndominiums •Garages • Shops • Equipment Sheds • House Shells • Fishing/Hunting Cabins Livestock Barns • Concrete Work. 903-5906484. ANTIQUES Advertise Antiques In The Lone Star Shopper 903-865-7002.
STORAGE STORAGE hempworx.com/dana STORAGE UNITS FOR RENT IN VAN.All size hettich . 903-497-6149. TRACTOR storage units available. $40 to $75.00. Call to- FOR SALE : Mahinday. Darlene Tunnell, dra Tractor one owner 2007 Contact Willis 903-963-5101. Phone: 936-221-6012 HELP WANTED AMBER’S PET PARCOMPUTER REP. ON LOUR EDGEWOOD- COMPUTER looking for a part time THE FRITZ? Contact groomer(temp for now: Mike Fisher Computneed full time come ers & Computer EquipAugust). Call/text 903- ment-Service & Repair, Computer Technical 705-3810 ANTIQUES Assistance & Support FOR SALE: Antique Services. Call 903-275French country hutch. 7626 Great condition Contact Wanda Davis 903-2168998 HEMP OIL. Highest Quality Hemp-Derived CBD Oil Available!Experience The Hempworx Difference...DANA HETTICH www/
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September 18, 2019
Accidential Publisher Lone Star Shopping News
By now I hope you’ve noticed our slight course correction. I feel compelled to share with you the
readers of our publication the reasons leading up to this decision. In1995, my wife and I decided to start
the Sunny Shopper. Michale and I decided to visit with the late Warren Hope of the Hunt County Shopper. I’ll never forget what Warren told us, and I quote, “Don’t let them make you into a newspaper.” That was advice that has served us well. However, Warren could not have foreseen what was to happen in the digital universe. People no longer spend money on word, or classified ads because you can get classified ads for
www.lsshopper.com • 903-865-7002 free on social media. So as of September first 2019 we will become LONE STAR SHOPPING NEWS. Yes,we will continue to offer word-classified ads, but now we are expanding our appeal to organizations that need to promote pos-
itive family events. If you know of a family oriented event that needs promotion, send it to us. Mail your event, or idea for a news story to Lone Star Shopping News C/O Josh Fuller 222 West Dallas, Canton, Texas 75103. You can also email it to us at lone-
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starshopper@gmail. com. As always don’t forget to allow ten days to two weeks for delivery and all articles are considered on a first come, first served , space available basis. You can also drop off the information at the Canton Boost Mobile store also located at 222 West Dallas, Canton, Texas 75103. As always, I hope you have a great week and thank you for reading LONE STAR SHOPPING NEWS, Home of the Ad Ranger. Remember, I’M PULLIN’ FOR YA!
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September 18, 2019
DAVE SAYS The partnership, not the family, is the problem
Dear Dave, My two brothers-inlaw and I have been thinking about going into business together as a side project in the real estate world. One of them is an architect and licensed general contractor, one has a successful painting business, and I’m a chief financial officer with a CPA background. Plus, I had a lot of construction experience as a young man. I know you’re not a big fan of business partnerships, but how do you feel about a family business like this? Dan Dear Dan, Going into business with family isn’t my big concern here. I’ve said many times that partnerships are the only ships that won’t sail, and I’m a firm believer in that philosophy. I would encourage you guys to set up a situation where one of you is the owner, then figure out a plan where the other guys get paid off the bottom line—as if they were owners. Trust me, anything with three heads is going to end up being a monster at some point. Here’s the thing about
family businesses. When everyone understands their role and has the best interest of the company in mind, family businesses can be a lot more fun and more successful than non-family businesses. Statistics show the average family business lasts 60 years, while the average publicly-traded company lasts about 15 years. So, there’s nothing inherently wrong with the family part of the equation. It’s the partnership aspect I’d stay away from. —Dave RENTER’S INSURANCE? Dear Dave,
We just helped move our son into a cheap, off-campus apartment a few blocks from where he is attending college. We signed the agreement, and are paying the rent, because he makes very good grades. Do you think renter’s insurance is a smart buy? It’s less than $12 a month, but the minimum coverage I can get is $15,000, and he probably has less than $1,000 worth of belongings there. Kevin Dear Kevin, I’d get renter’s insurance. My guess is it also comes with five or six figures in personal liability coverage, as well. That’s in case he’s out on the patio with his buddies, someone slips and falls, and they decide to sue because daddy’s on the lease. In a case like this, because there’s so little to start with, it’s not theft or fire taking the contents of the apartment that you’re worried about. It’s the liability portion of the cover-
www.lsshopper.com • 903-865-7002 age that makes it worth every penny of what you’d be paying. That alone makes it worth $10 to $12 a month just to make sure a slipand-fall doesn’t mess with your life! —Dave * Dave Ramsey is CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored seven best-selling books, including The Total Money Makeover. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 16 million listeners each week on 600 radio stations and multiple digital platforms. Follow Dave on the web at daveramsey.com and on Twitter at @DaveRamsey. Publisher’s Note:
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Prison Air Conditioning From Page One
cause to inmates. The judge applauded the department after a settlement was reached in 2018 to air condition the Pack unit. But he has since returned to issuing scathing orders and comments on the department’s violations of his order to keep cool the nearly 900 inmates left in the class-action lawsuit, regardless of which prison facility they are in. On Friday, he said some of those inmates were in “grotesque conditions” and questioned if the agency had misguided priorities in a situation where “the stakes could not be higher.” “I thought the last hearing and the last order would be sufficient to get people’s attention,” he said, referring to emergency action taken last month after reports of nearly 40 inmates housed with a long-broken air conditioner. “What can I do to get the state’s attention?” Friday’s hearing was set Thursday after the inmates’ attorneys filed a lengthy motion to find prison officials in contempt and fine them, claiming the agency repeatedly kept inmates in the settlement in sweltering temperatures and then tried to cover up the violations. “This is not a mere compliance issue — this is a life and death issue,” the inmates’ lead attorney, Jeff Edwards, told the judge Friday. “Someone is going to die because of one of two things: utter incompetence that I haven’t seen in my practice of law — and I’ve seen
a lot — or utter indifference.” No one from TDCJ or the Texas Attorney General’s Office appeared at the quickly set hearing, but Assistant Attorney General Leah O’Leary spoke at the hearing on the phone. She claimed the department was in the process of moving many of the inmates who were part of the lawsuit and no longer at the Pack Unit back to that prison, where air conditioning has since been installed and a temperature reporting system is in place. For the prisoners who are not at the Pack Unit — 81, according to the inmates’ lawyers — the department is planning to install thermometers at their units to be able to record and ensure that the heat index, which also includes humidity, stays at or below 88 degrees, as is required by the settlement order. Before the judge issued any fines or other sanctions, like jailing prison officials, O’Leary asked for more time to answer questions about temperatures and conditions in response to the motion filed the day before. “We understand that civil sanctions are something you intend to impose here,” O’Leary said. “We hear your message, you have our attention.” Ellison, who sat with a rigidly furrowed brow throughout the hearing and regularly rubbed his forehead in frustration, said he doubted he had TDCJ’s attention, but he held off on any immediate punitive decisions. He questioned the effect
Page 7 of fines, as requested by Edwards, since the money would come from taxpayers, not out of officials’ pockets. If he decided to hold officials in contempt of court, the inmates’ lawyers said after the hearing Friday that they would likely be held at a federal detention center — which is air conditioned. The judge set another hearing for Tuesday afternoon for TDCJ to update him on the situation and report temperatures from each of the 12 units housing inmates in the lawsuit. He also ordered that the wardens of those units at least phone in and testify under oath, subject to penalty of perjury, about heat conditions and compliance with the court order. “If that’s not done, then I think I have no option to award sanctions forthwith,” he said. A TDCJ spokesman said after the hearing that the agency was working to compile the requested information and will provide testimony at the hearing Tuesday. The lawsuit and settlement apply only to the Pack Unit and the inmates who were housed there during the time of the lawsuit. But Ellison has raised overarching concerns about a lack of air conditioning in Texas prisons at recent hearings. Although Ellison acknowledged he is limited to the class in the lawsuit, he said last month that TDCJ should have taken immediate steps to fix a broken air conditioner at another prison because heat conditions were so severe. On Friday, when Edwards mentioned the air conditioner was still broken and criticized TDCJ for focusing on installing thermometers instead of fixing air conditioners, Ellison interrupted. “I quite agree that TDCJ should on its own be moving to air condition all prisons, but I’m not going to order that. I don’t have the authority to order it,” he said. ffing
September 18, 2019
Page 8
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