TCOG announces Durable Medical Equipment Project Launch

Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), in collaboration with the Salvation Army of Grayson CountyAreli Medical Supply and Grayson County Health Clinic, announced the Durable Medical Equipment Project will launch January 2, 2018.
“The purpose of the project is to loan durable medical equipment (DME) to individuals with medical necessity,” stated TCOG Executive Director, Dr. Susan Thomas. Work began on the project when TCOG’s Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) received funds from Texas Department of Health and Human Services Commission to initiate the project in August 2016.
ADRC Program Manager, Janet Karam, said, “The project fulfills two gaps for Grayson County: 1) a means for collecting, refurbishing and distributing reusable durable medical equipment; and 2) loaning the equipment to individuals in need.”
The project’s inventory includes wheelchairs, walkers, rollators, canes, portable commodes and shower chairs. The Salvation Army of Grayson County houses the project in their Denison warehouse, and Texoma residents along with partner agencies have donated to the inventory on hand. The project’s collaborators coordinate referrals, inventory control and maintenance.
Thomas explained that TCOG became involved in the project by recognizing the need for such a program. “As an organization committed to improving quality of life, TCOG encourages solution-based, collaborative projects such as the DME initiative.”
To access the program, referral forms and medical necessity forms must be completed by referring agency and individual’s doctor.
The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.

Having trouble adjusting to Cooking For One?

When you’re suddenly cooking for one, you may ask yourself “what is the point?” or find yourself at a loss for small meal ideas. Our Cooking For One workshop, designed for those who have suffered a loss, will give you recipe ideas, tips and tricks to help make cooking for yourself more enjoyable. Whether you are a first time cook or experienced pro, this workshop will bring
something new to the table.

The workshop begins on Tuesday, January 8th and continues each week, January 15th, 22nd, and 29th from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. We will meet at the Home Hospice office at 505 W. Center St., Sherman, TX. The workshop is sponsored by Home Hospice and seating is limited for this interactive workshop. Please register by January 2nd by calling Melinda Kyle at 903-868 9315 or email at Melinda.Kyle@homehospice.org.

“In Cooking for One we are going to have a fun, interactive workshop to learn new ways to cook healthy and delicious meals on a smaller scale,” said Adrian O’Hanlon, top Chef for the workshop. “When someone suffers a loss, they often are not use to cooking smaller or special meals and they get discouraged. Many people think it is just too hard or not worth it when they
are only cooking for themselves. Working with each other and sharing ideas, we hope to make cooking fun and healthy.”

Those attending get to participate in planning menus, shopping lists and sharing cooking tips. Plus they will also receive a cookbook of recipes after they attend all sessions. And since the workshop is from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, they get to help make and eat lunch together!

Home Hospice of Cooke County is a local community-based non-profit organization. Our mission is to provide the best care and support to enhance Quality of Life. We value those we serve as they are our neighbors, our friends and our families. For more information please call us at 903-868-9315 or visit our website at www.HomeHospice.org or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/homehospiceofgrayson.

Tom Bean man sentenced to life

 

Today Mickey Joe Griffis, 65, of Tom Bean, was sentenced to two life sentences in prison for Possession with Intent to Deliver, Heroin, 1-4 grams and Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, 4-200 grams.  Griffis was found guilty following a day and a half jury trial.  Griffis elected to have a Grayson County jury determine his sentence.  On Wednesday, December 13, 2017 that same jury sentenced Griffis to the maximum sentence allowed by law on both counts and the fine of $7,000.00 on each charge.  The Honorable Jim Fallon presided over the three day trial in the 15th Judicial District Court.  On Wednesday, August 17, 2016, Judge Fallon sentenced Griffis for his crimes and ordered him to pay the $14,000.00 fine.

Narcotics investigators with the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office began conducting surveillance on a residence in Tom Bean on January 13, 2017.  The surveillance led to the development of sufficient information for a search warrant.  Later the same day, a large team of law enforcement officers executed the search warrant at 106 Bois D’Arc and recovered a large cache of drug paraphernalia, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and 3 firearms.  The Sheriff’s Office had information that Griffis was a convicted felon and could be armed.

During the trial the Grayson County District Attorney’s Office presented evidence seized from the residence which included hundreds of small baggies used to package narcotics, syringes, pipes, a digital scale, and several grams of heroin and over a ½ ounce of methamphetamine.

“We presented evidence and testimony which clearly led the jury to believe the defendant was involved in the distribution of narcotics and was armed with a rifle, pistol and a .12 gauge shotgun while dealing his drugs” said Assistant District Attorney Brett Smith.

During the punishment portion of the trial, Smith presented evidence to the jury that Griffis had six previous felony convictions, and four of those cases were for drug related offenses.   The jury learned that Griffis had twice previously been sentenced to prison for drug offenses.

“The long sentence was, I believe, a result of the fact that this man just continued to deal drugs, and short prison sentences were not keeping him from doing that,” said Grayson County District Attorney Joe Brown.   At some point, people just get tired of drug dealers who keep selling drugs and do not get the message.   The system gives people resources to deal with addiction, but when you are selling, it is a different ballgame.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Brett Smith with the assistance of Paralegal Sherri Williams.  Griffis was represented by Sherman attorney Ron Uselton.

Santa Claus to spend most of Saturday in Howe

Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, or simply Santa will make many appearances in Howe on Saturday.

Keep Howe Beautiful will welcome him here as they prepare a “Tree Lighting” event at Memorial Park with help from the Howe Fire Department.

Upon early arrival to Howe, his first stop will be at the Howe Fire Department at 8 am for “Breakfast with Santa.”  He’ll stay there until 10:30 where he will then head to the Howe Community Library for “Christmas with Santa” for storytelling, crafting, cookies, and punch until noon.

The jolly red elf will is scheduled to take a much-needed nap from noon – 3 pm to rest up for Howe’s “Stained Glass” Christmas Parade that begins promptly at 4:30.  The parade trip will run through the historic downtown area which will be the best view of the parade.  The parade emcee will also be located in front of the Howe Development/Howe Chamber office.  (Click for parade route)

Santa going through Howe in 2016.

Santa going through Howe in 1972

WEEKEND CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN HOWE

(Click each event photo for Facebook Event)

Obituary for Dr. Edward Wayne King

COLLINSVILLE – Funeral services for Dr. Edward Wayne King, 77, will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 7, 2017 at the First Baptist Church in Collinsville with Rev. Louella K. Williams, Rev. Jerry Davis and Ricky Patterson officiating.
Interment will follow at Collinsville Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Meador Funeral Home of Whitesboro. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6th at the funeral home.

Dr. King passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at Texoma Medical Center in Denison.

Dr. King was born on July 4, 1940 in Collinsville to Edward M. King and Louise (Midkiff) King. Graduating from Collinsville High School in 1958, he married Doris Ann Rector on September 26, 1959 in Collinsville. Wayne served in the United States Army from Feb. 3, 1960 to April 2, 1962. He earned a B.S. (1968), a M.Ed. (1970), and an Ed.D. (1978) from North Texas State University (UNT). His career in education began when he became principal, teacher, coach, and bus driver at Tioga I.S.D. and was followed by being high school principal of Collinsville High School. Twelve years serving in Region 10 Education Service Center’s Administrative Services Dept. preceded superintendencies in Hamlin I.S.D. and Howe I.S.D. from which he retired in Dec. 2000. Retirement lasted three months before he began working for J.R. Bankston as an educational consultant, working his second stint at Reg. 10 ESC and serving as interim superintendent at S&S, Collinsville, Tioga and Walnut Bend, which was his last job before leaving the field of education in May 2015.

Dr. King was honored when the Howe I.S.D. school board named the library of the new high school the Dr. Edward “Wayne” King Library. He accepted that honor on behalf of an excellent faculty and staff who made it possible for him to do his job.

Dr. King was presently serving as chairman of the board for Texoma Educators FCU, and a board member with the Collinsville Education Foundation. He had served on various boards, including Grayson County Appraisal District, Grayson County Volunteer Health Clinic, Junior Achievement, and The Rehab Center. He had represented school administrators on the State Commissioner of Education’s Board of Directors for Reg. 14 ESC and, again, for Reg. 10 ESC.
He found joy in supporting all student activities and watching students grow to become productive citizens and members of our society.

Dr. King was a Christian and loved his family (especially his great-granddaughters) and friends, morning coffee at the DC Store, farming and working with his cattle, and spent many hours on “his” zero-turn.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Doris Ann King; a daughter, Cynthia Ann Kays of McKinney; grandsons, Derek Mark Kays and wife, Mandy, and Micheal Anthony Kays and wife, Leandra; great-granddaughters, Lynnlee Noel, Zoey Nicole, Chase Elizabeth, Andi Ryann, and Bryndel Jean; chosen great-granddaughters, Charlee Grace and Jolee Faith; sisters, Sandra Williams and husband, Donald, Linda Jurecka and husband, Frankie, and Lola Beth Thomas, all of Collinsville; brothers, Keith King of Denton, Kenneth King and Bobby King, both of Collinsville; two aunts, Jean Harman of San Angelo, and Glenda Cagle and husband, Neal of Grand Prairie; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Louise King.

Pallbearers will be Derek Kays, Micheal Kays, Mark Kays, Karey Kyle, Monte Endres, and Darryl Carney.

Honorary Pallbearers will be his brothers, Keith King, Kenneth King, and Bobby King.

The family wishes to thank the Texoma Medical Center ICU staff and Dr. Sumner for their excellent care during the last two weeks. Special thanks go to Dr. Kable for her excellent pulmonary care and to Dr. Amy Wilson at Baylor Health and Rehab for over twelve years of guidance.

In lieu flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to the school library or scholarship fund of your choice or the Collinsville Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 323, Collinsville, TX 76233.