News

Summer: children are out of school, and have more free time on their hands. Children also have a wealth of electronic devices at their disposal. With all that technology and time at the fingertips, it is imperative that parents set internet guidelines for children, to help prevent the likelihood of their child being a victim of solicitation by an online predator.

According to the Child Rescue Network, the Federal Bureau of Investigation states there are approximately 50,000 predators online at any time. These are people who, through the anonymity of the online world, can befriend and solicit children at any time.

With the advancement of all high tech gadgetry, computers are not the only gateway that puts children at risk. Between smart phones, tablets, and even internet connected televisions and gaming systems, the internet is never more than a click or two away for most children.

Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, of Titus, Camp and Morris Counties endeavors to provide trained volunteer advocates in all abuse and neglect foster care cases assigned by the courts. CASA Volunteers are screened and highly trained and then appointed by Judges to represent and advocate for a child’s best interest in the child protection system. CASA Volunteer training begins in July. For more information, call 903.717.8940.

 Cass County has issued their newest most wanted list. Felisha Mercedes Allen: Probation Violation/Possession of Controlled Substance. Dustin Shane Cherry: Probation Violation/Possession of Controlled Substance. Luketha Shenell Dickerson: Probation Violation /Theft. Lametrica Renee Gamble: Probation Violation /Delivery of Marijuana. Jean Marie Lafayette: Probation Violation /Possession of Marijuana. Mercer Bejort Mccoo: Forgery. Chevalier Kenshay Olicer: Probation Violation /Possession Marijuana. Stephen Ray Parson: Probation Violation /Manufacture and Delivery of Controlled Substance. Angela Dawn Berry Welch: Bond Forfeiture /Possession of Controlled Substance. Sandra Sikes Whitt: Bond Forfeiture /Driving While Intoxicated. James Charter Williams: Probation Violation / Driving While Intoxicated.

Agentra Dental makes its way to rural America. As Agentra offers a variety of dental coverage options for families outside of the greater Dallas area, Fox News has released an article stating insurers will seek significant premium hikes under President Barack Obama’s health care law this summer; a point illustrated by major carriers setting the stage for 2017 hikes that could reach well into the double digits. In order to provide some relief in the midst of rising costs, Agentra is challenging consumers to take a look at all of their options. In rural areas, the challenges associated with healthcare are different from those who live in larger towns and cities. Being in a remote area means traveling longer distances for routine care and fewer doctors, dentists, and specialists. When getting to care is hard, problems become more serious by the time they are addressed. There are 60 dentists per 100,000 population in urban areas versus 40 per 100,000 in rural areas.

By J. Leslie Riseden

Special Contributor to the Steel Country Bee

The temperatures have begun their annual climb through the 80s on their way to a predictably hot and probably dry summer, with the mercury regularly in the high 90s and the rain gauges full of dust. Summer approaches, and for the valiant firefighters of Cass County, it’s the beginning of the busy season.

Members of the Cass County Firefighters Association got together May 16 for their monthly meeting -- this time in Avinger. In the few minutes before the meeting began, they enjoyed the cool evening air, sharing and comparing stories about recent calls. Some -- meeting for the first time -- established one more bond of brotherhood known only to those who willingly risk their lives to save the life and property of others.

Southern Arkansas University has announced the awarding of scholarships for the 2016-2017 academic year. Three students from Hughes Springs High School have been selected for the Achievement Scholarship from SAU.

Alonna Shaddix, Stephen Richardson, and Chelsea Nix have been selected to receive this scholarship, which includes $1000 per semester and has a fouryear value of $8000. Shaddix is the daughter of Mary Shaddix and James Shaddix. Richardson is the son of Lindsey High. Nix is the daughter of Amie Nix.

Southern Arkansas University is fastest growing and most affordable university in Arkansas. SAU was also named the sixth most affordable small college in the U.S. by Bestvalueschools.com. Although SAU maintains low cost to students, quality and student success are still the top priorities. According to the U.S. Department of Education, SAU has the highest return on investment among all Arkansas universities.

With Memorial Day weekend having signaled the unofficial start of summer, home chefs everywhere are reaching for their grills, eager to usher in the long-awaited barbecue season. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that grillers pay particular attention to safety in the spring and summer months when home fires involving grilling incidents occur most often.

Three out of five households own a gas grill, according to NFPA’s latest “Home Grill Fires” report, which translates to a lot of tasty meals. But it also means there’s an increased risk of home fires. In 2009 – 2013, an annual average of 8,900 home fires involved grills, hibachis or barbecues, and close to half of all injuries involving grills were due to thermal burns. While nearly half of the people who grill do so year-round, July is the peak month for grilling fires followed by May, June and August.

By J. Leslie Riseden

Special contributor to

The Steel Country Bee

“I have loved every moment being your Mayor Pro Tem and alderwoman on the city council for the last eight years,” wrote outgoing council member Martha L. Wexler, as she addressed the regular meeting of the Lone Star city council on May 19. When Mrs. Wexler and fellow council member Earl Alexander were elected to city council in May 2008, she wrote, “The City of Lone Star was in financial trouble. Funds for the city had not been properly handled; the City had not been audited for three years.” Over a period of several weeks, members of the city council, city employees, and several citizens volunteered their time to sort through boxes of bills, checks and documents, said Mrs. Wexler, and they “were able to overcome that challenge and salvage our City’s reputation. After eight years, I want [to] go on record that the City is in the black and in good financial standing.”